How to Deal With a Felony Warrant in Detroit?
I Have an Outstanding Felony Warrant in the City of Detroit. What do I do to get out on a low or personal bond?
Avoid Time in Jail, Stay Out on Bond
Having an outstanding felony warrant anywhere is scary; it is terrifying to have an outstanding felony warrant in the City of Detroit. It is not unusual to get conflicting information from the prosecutor’s office, courts, and police departments about what a person must do to deal with an outstanding warrant. In most courts, getting arraigned is pretty straightforward, but even most attorneys have difficulty navigating the process in Detroit. The process can be overwhelming for a layperson who does not understand how to deal with an outstanding felony warrant in the City of Detroit. The Wayne County attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are experienced criminal defense lawyers and appear regularly in the Detroit courts. We can help you get rid of your outstanding felony warrant in the City of Detroit and make the arraignment process as smooth as possible.
Procedure To Resolve An Outstanding Felony Warrant in the City of Detroit
If police arrest you for an outstanding felony warrant in the City of Detroit, the procedure discussed here does not apply. If you are detained by the police on a warrant, you and your lawyer might have difficulty convincing the arraignment magistrate to order a low or personal bond. However, if you turn yourself in on a warrant with a lawyer before the police arrest you, the argument for a low or personal bond is much stronger. An outstanding criminal defense attorney in Detroit gives you the best chance of staying out of jail!
The first step to resolve an outstanding felony warrant in the City of Detroit without waiting for the police to arrest you is to report to the Detroit Detention Center (DDC) located at 17601 Mound Road, Detroit, MI. DDC’s telephone number is (313) 368-8300.
You must report at 4 a.m. for arraignment on the warrant to be most likely scheduled for later that same day. It is critical to check with your lawyer first and ensure they are available to be in court for the arraignment before turning yourself in on the warrant.
“What happens when I turn myself in?”
When you report to DDC, you should have ONLY identification and nothing else. You will then be processed and arraigned over closed-circuit video at either 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. that day. If you have an attorney to represent you, they will not be with you physically; they will be in the arraignment courtroom in the 36th District Court, and you will see your attorney via the television monitor. At the arraignment, the judge will recall the warrant, read the charges against you, and address the bond.
The fact that you turned yourself in voluntarily on an outstanding felony warrant in Detroit will go a long way to convincing the court to release you on a personal bond or low cash or surety bond. A personal bond can be posted with a promise to appear in court. A cash or surety bond requires a cash payment or a bondsman. If the court sets a cash or surety bond, the magistrate or judge determines the bond amount. It is vital that you have the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled lawyer will make the most persuasive arguments for a low or personal bond. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has had remarkable success getting courts to order personal or very low cash bonds for our clients. We can help you.
Dealing with this process without the help of experienced legal counsel is complicated and daunting. You can turn yourself in without a lawyer; however, it is in your best interest to have an attorney coordinate what will happen and to ensure you stay out of jail while your case is litigated. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is the law firm that can help you.
This procedure is for felony cases in the City of Detroit (36th District Court and the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center). If you have a felony or misdemeanor warrant out of any other court in Wayne County, it is essential that you consult with an experienced defense attorney right away. They will know how to handle that situation best.
Can’t I save money by turning myself in without a lawyer?
Turning yourself in on a warrant without hiring a respected lawyer to protect and defend you can have dire consequences. Here are some of the potential drawbacks to self-surrounding on an outstanding felony warrant in Detroit without a lawyer:
- Lack of Legal Advice: Lawyers can advise on the best course of action, possible defenses, potential consequences, and more. Without counsel, you might be unaware of crucial legal rights and nuances in the law that can ensure a low or personal bond, preserve your rights to a jury trial, and protect your various constitutional rights and protections.
- Incriminating Statements: Without an attorney present during the arraignment process, interrogations, and interviews, there’s a higher risk of making incriminating statements. An attorney can advise you on what to say and ensure your rights aren’t violated. Without a lawyer, the police might feel they can obtain incriminating evidence against you while you are in custody.
- Lesser Chance of Bail or Release: An attorney can argue for bail or release on your own recognizance, helping present reasons why you aren’t a flight risk or a danger to the community. If you are detained because you cannot post bond, your chances of winning your case substantially decrease, you might lose employment, you could lose custody of children if you cannot care for them, and jeopardize your mental and emotional health.
- Negotiation and Plea Bargains: Experienced defense attorneys will negotiate with police officers and prosecutors before a client self-surrendering on an outstanding felony warrant in Detroit to ensure their law enforcement’s cooperation when seeking a low or personal bond. Lawyers often negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, lesser sentences, or alternative resolutions. Without counsel, you might be accepting more severe penalties than necessary. Individuals in custody have substantially less bargaining power than those who remain free on bond and productive in the community.
- No Immediate Representation: Having an attorney experienced with defining clients in Detroit can be beneficial if you’re brought before a judge immediately after arrest. They can represent your interests, argue for bail, or challenge the warrant’s validity. If you do not have a lawyer, the prosecutor might take advantage of your inability to defend yourself and lack of knowledge regarding Michigan’s court rules.
- Unfamiliarity with the Process: The legal system can be complex and intimidating. An attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring all legal protocols are followed. For example, it is almost always in the defendant’s best interest to “stand mute” to the charges when asked to enter a plea. Pleading not guilty at the arraignment can limit your rights and become problematic if you later decide to accept responsibility or testify in your defense.
- Waiving Rights: Without legal knowledge, you might inadvertently waive certain rights, such as the right to a speedy trial or to remain silent. Michigan law provides strict guidelines for when various hearings must be held to protect the defendant’s trial rights. If you inadvertently waive rights, you can jeopardize options available for your defense.
- Pressure from Law Enforcement: Law enforcement might use various tactics to get information or a confession. Having an attorney can provide a buffer against such pressure. If you have retained counsel, they will let the police officers know in advance that they are not allowed to speak to or interrogate you without your lawyer present.
- Emotional Stress: Facing an outstanding warrant can be emotionally challenging. An attorney can provide peace of mind, knowing someone is fighting to protect you and looking out for your legal interests.
- Mistakes in Paperwork: Legal paperwork, processes, and court procedures can be intricate. An attorney ensures that everything is filed correctly and on time.
If you know of an outstanding warrant for your arrest, it’s highly recommended to consult with an attorney, such as LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., before taking any action. Retaining a lawyer immediately lets you know your rights, the potential consequences, and the best course of action to handle the situation.
An Experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm That Can Help You With an Outstanding Felony Warrant in the City of Detroit.
The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are highly experienced and well respected. The firm’s defense attorneys have extensive experience in all areas of criminal law. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. exclusively handles felony and misdemeanor cases. The firm offers clients a unique “team” approach that other firms or solo practitioner lawyers cannot match. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are proud of their outstanding reputation. When one of its attorneys enters a courtroom, the prosecutor and judge know they are prepared, passionate, and will fight to win!
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
