Denver criminal defense lawyer / should you turn yourself in?

As a Denver criminal defense lawyer, one of the most difficult parts of my job representing clients is helping people out who are under investigation. It is during this phase of the case that there is the most uncertainty, and frankly the least that a lawyer can do for you. Basically the police have broad discretion in deciding how they want to investigate the case and when and if they want to charge it. During the investigation, there is very little a person who's being investigated can do to help his or her cause. There are plenty of ways to screw things up though, including incriminating yourself in a variety of ways. But essentially if you don't talk to the police, there's not much else you can do.

This process can end in one of two ways. First, the charges can be dropped, which is great for everybody. Second, an arrest warrant can be issues. Although you can try to get a Denver criminal defense lawyer to try to get rid of your Colorado arrest warrant, most likely you will end up being arrested and charged. Obviously, if you are arrested without having known you had a warrant out for your arrest, there is nothing you can do. Just post bond and hire an attorney to try to fight the charge. However, if you find out there is a warrant out for your arrest before  the police are at your door, you have to decide how to proceed. There are a number of reasons it might be a good idea to turn yourself in on the warrant. However, never ever do this without speaking to a Denver criminal defense lawyer.

First, turning yourself in is probably the best way to reduce the inconvenience resulting from being arrested and having to spend time in jail. Although you will almost certainly have to spend at least a night in jail, the time can be limited by surrendering at the right time so you are eligible for the earliest possible bond hearing, and so you can have all your ducks in a row prepared to post bond. Additionally, if you are arrested over the weekend you will have to spend the entire weekend in jail, because you will not be able to post bond and get out on a Saturday or Sunday, and the first advisement is generally on Monday morning.

Second, it allows you to control the circumstances of your surrender. Sometimes police officers do not exercise much discretion in deciding how to arrest you. So if you are arrested at your place of business or with friends, that could be incredibly humiliating.

Finally, if you are arrested in your own home, the police may damage a substantial amount of property. A person who suffers property damage along with being arrested will have little recourse for a lawsuit against the state.

These are three reasons that it may make sense to turn yourself in if there is a warrant out for your arrest. They don't apply in every case. Please, please, please speak to an attorney for advice on your particular case before deciding how to proceed.