Finding out you have a warrant is stressful, to say the least. It hangs over your head, creating a constant sense of dread. But here's something we've seen time and again: the single best thing you can do to fix it is to turn yourself in.
This isn't about admitting you did something wrong. It's a strategic move to take back control of your life. By facing it head-on, you show the court you're responsible, which can genuinely help your case down the line. For immediate assistance with a warrant in Jefferson County or Centennial, contact Express Bail Bonds today.
Why Turning Yourself In Is Your Best Move
Living with a warrant means you're always looking over your shoulder. A simple traffic stop, a random police encounter—anything can turn into a trip to jail. When you decide to surrender, you get to choose the when and where. You’re no longer waiting for the inevitable, embarrassing arrest to happen at work or in front of your family.
Walking in on your own terms, especially with a bail bondsman and a lawyer already in the loop, sends a clear signal to the judge. It says you're serious and ready to cooperate. This often leads to better outcomes, like a lower bail amount or more favorable release conditions. You get to handle childcare, let your boss know you'll be out, and make sure things at home are taken care of first.
Taking Back Control
The alternative is letting law enforcement find you, and that means you have zero control over the situation. An arrest can be disruptive and public, causing chaos you simply don't need. When you plan your surrender, you walk in with your dignity intact.
It also sets a much better tone for your case from the very beginning. Your attorney can point to your voluntary surrender as proof that you're reliable and not a flight risk. If you've ever wondered what happens if you miss court, you know how important it is to show the system you're willing to follow the rules.
The real power of a planned surrender is predictability. You're not just reacting to a crisis; you're following a plan. This minimizes your time in jail and protects your job and family from the fallout.
This strategy is so effective that even the federal government uses it. The U.S. Marshals Service runs a program called Fugitive Safe Surrender, where people with non-violent warrants can turn themselves in at a safe, neutral spot. It’s proven to be a safer and more effective approach for everyone involved. You can read more about the success of this federal program.
If you need fast, confidential help arranging your surrender and bail in Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado, or need bail bonds in Centennial, contact Express Bail Bonds. We can pre-arrange your bond to make the process as quick and seamless as possible. Our agents are on call 24/7 to walk you through it. Just see what our clients say in our positive reviews here and here.
Your Pre-Surrender Preparation Checklist
Walking into a jail on your own terms is a daunting experience, but doing it unprepared makes a tough situation infinitely worse. Having a clear plan doesn't just help with the logistics—it gives you a crucial sense of control and provides peace of mind for you and your family.
The single most important thing you can do is get your bail bond arranged before you walk through those doors. When you work with us at Express Bail Bonds ahead of time, we get all the paperwork and payment details sorted out. This simple step can shrink your time in custody from a couple of days down to just a few hours. As soon as the jail finishes booking you, our agent is ready to post the bond and get you out.
Secure Your Legal and Financial Standing
First things first: talk to a criminal defense attorney. Don't do anything else until you've spoken with a lawyer. They can explain the charges, lay out your rights, and might even be able to schedule a specific surrender time with the court, which can make the process much smoother. Their guidance is absolutely essential.
Once you have legal advice, the next call should be about your bail. We make this part as painless as possible.
- Call Us 24/7: Get in touch with an Express Bail Bonds agent anytime. We'll immediately confirm the warrant details and the exact bail amount.
- Handle Everything Remotely: You or your cosigner can complete all the necessary documents and payments right from home. We have several bail bond payment options to make it work for your financial situation.
- Coordinate the Surrender: We’ll let the jail know you're coming and that the bond is already arranged, which helps streamline everything on their end.
This proactive approach completely changes the dynamic. Instead of sitting in a cell waiting for someone to figure out your bond, you go in knowing your release is already underway. It’s the difference between uncertainty and a clear path forward.
Taking these steps helps you move from a feeling of overwhelming stress to a place of control, which is the key to resolving the situation faster.
By being deliberate and prepared, you're not just reacting—you're actively managing the outcome.
Manage Your Personal Responsibilities
Tying up loose ends in your personal life is just as critical. You don't want to be worrying about things at home while you're dealing with the booking process.
- Inform Your Employer: You'll need to arrange for time off. Be as discreet as you feel necessary, but make sure your work responsibilities are covered.
- Arrange Care for Dependents: If you have children, pets, or other family members who rely on you, make sure their care is solidly in place.
- Secure Your Home: Take care of any urgent bills, lock up tight, and maybe ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on things.
- Gather Key Contacts: Give your cosigner a written list of important phone numbers: your attorney, your bail agent, and key family members.
If your case involves documents from another country, it's wise to use a professional legal document translation service to avoid any misinterpretations by the authorities.
Defendant & Supporter Pre-Surrender Checklist
To help you stay organized, we’ve put together this checklist. It splits the responsibilities between the person turning in and the loved one helping them from the outside.
| Task | For the Defendant | For the Supporter/Cosigner |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Counsel | Consult with a defense attorney immediately. | Have the attorney's contact information readily available. |
| Bail Arrangements | Contact Express Bail Bonds to pre-arrange the bond. | Complete all cosigner paperwork and payment online. |
| Personal ID | Prepare your valid, government-issued photo ID. | Make a copy of the defendant's ID for your records. |
| Personal Affairs | Arrange time off work and care for dependents. | Confirm all care arrangements are in place and ready. |
| Communication | Provide your supporter with all key contact info. | Keep a list of contacts (attorney, bondsman) handy. |
| Surrender Plan | Confirm the surrender time and location with your attorney. | Be available by phone during the entire surrender process. |
| What to Bring | Only bring your ID and necessary prescription medication. | Hold onto the defendant's wallet, keys, and phone. |
Following this checklist ensures that both you and your support system are on the same page, which removes a huge amount of stress from the process. If you need help, our team at Express Bail Bonds is ready to assist you.
What to Expect During the Booking Process
Walking into a jail is nerve-wracking, no question about it. But knowing what’s coming next can take a lot of the anxiety out of the equation. The booking process isn't personal; it's a routine, and understanding that routine helps you stay calm and focused on what really matters: getting out fast.
Once you’re inside, you'll start at an intake desk. An officer will ask for your name to confirm the active warrant. This is the first official step that kicks off the whole administrative procedure.
Next comes the search. They’ll pat you down to make sure you don't have any prohibited items. Everything you brought with you—wallet, keys, phone—will be collected, inventoried, and stored. This is exactly why we tell people to leave all valuables with their family or supporter before heading in.
The Administrative Steps
After the initial intake, you’ll be processed into the system. This is where they take your fingerprints and snap your mugshot, which get entered into local and national databases.
They will also run through a series of basic questions about your identity and any relevant medical history. It's important to provide only factual information here. Stick to the questions asked and don't volunteer anything about your case. The whole thing can take a few hours, sometimes longer, depending on how busy the jail is.
Believe it or not, the justice system often recognizes that people need time to get their affairs in order. In the federal system, for instance, it’s not uncommon for a judge to grant a defendant 30-90 days between their sentencing and the day they have to report to prison. It’s a small bit of grace, usually given to those who are trusted to turn themselves in voluntarily.
How a Pre-Arranged Bond Changes Everything
This is the moment where having a bond ready to go with Express Bail Bonds completely flips the script. Instead of sitting in a holding cell wondering what's next, your release is already underway.
The second you're officially booked and in the system, our agent posts the bond. There’s no frantic search for a bondsman, no waiting for family to figure things out. Your release paperwork gets started right away.
Taking this one proactive step is the most powerful thing you can do to cut down your time in custody. It can turn what might have been a days-long nightmare into just a matter of hours.
Keep in mind, different jails have their own quirks. Procedures at the Jefferson County jail are a bit different from the detention center in Centennial, and processing times can vary. Our local agents have worked inside these facilities for years. We know their intake schedules, who to talk to, and how to navigate their release protocols to get things done without delay.
If a loved one is trying to track your progress, our guide on how to find someone arrested in Colorado can be a huge help.
Understanding Your Rights During Custody
Once you're in custody, even if you walked in voluntarily, the single most powerful tool you have is knowing your constitutional rights. This isn't about being difficult or admitting guilt—it's about protecting yourself and your future from the very first moment.
The two rights that matter most right now are your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. These are not just lines from TV dramas; they are crucial safeguards that can fundamentally change the outcome of your case. Let’s get into what they really mean for you.
Your Right to Remain Silent
The Fifth Amendment is your shield against self-incrimination. In simple terms, you cannot be forced to say anything that could be used to prosecute you. When you’re turning yourself in, you’ll likely feel a strong urge to explain yourself or answer "just a few quick questions." You have to resist that impulse.
Police officers are highly trained in gathering information. A seemingly casual, friendly chat can still be part of their investigation. The best approach is always to be polite but firm.
Key Takeaway: You can protect yourself by clearly stating, "I am choosing to remain silent, and I want to speak with my lawyer." Once you say this, all questioning about the case should stop.
There's a big difference between cooperation and interrogation. Providing your name and address for booking paperwork is a standard part of the process. Answering questions about the case is not. You can learn more about navigating these first few hours in our guide on what to do when someone gets arrested.
Your Right to an Attorney
Just as important is your Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel. You should ask for a lawyer immediately, before you answer a single question about the situation.
Having an attorney by your side ensures your rights are protected every step of the way. They will guide you on what to say—and more importantly, what not to say—and can start building your defense from the ground up. Don't make the mistake of waiting until you're formally charged.
- When to Ask: The second any questioning goes beyond basic booking information (like your name and birthdate).
- What to Say: A direct and clear statement is best: "I will not answer any questions without my attorney present."
- Why It Matters: Your lawyer is your advocate, plain and simple. They prevent you from making missteps or unintentional statements that could seriously damage your case.
Knowing and using these rights puts you back in control during a very vulnerable time. By staying silent and demanding a lawyer, you are actively defending your own future. For immediate support, connect with Express Bail Bonds.
Why an Experienced Bail Bondsman Is Essential
When you're staring down a warrant, a good bail bondsman is so much more than just a financial service. They become your guide through a system that feels designed to be confusing and intimidating. An experienced agent doesn't just post a bond; they act as the crucial coordinator between you, your family, and the detention facility.
Their real value is in making the entire process of turning yourself in go as smoothly and quickly as possible. This partnership is what dramatically reduces your time spent in a cell.
At Express Bail Bonds, our job is to manage the chaos so you can focus on what matters: your case. We know that when a warrant is active, the last thing anyone needs is more stress. We handle the logistical legwork, from communicating with jail staff to preparing all the necessary paperwork before you even walk through their doors. Check out our stellar Google reviews to see how we've helped others in your situation.
Making Bail Affordable and Accessible
Let’s be honest—the price of bail can be a huge hurdle. But it doesn’t have to stop you. In Colorado, a bail bondsman’s premium is typically 10-15% of the total bond amount. So, if the court sets bail at $10,000, your family would pay a non-refundable fee of between $1,000 and $1,500. This service makes getting out of jail a realistic financial option for most people.
We believe in total transparency. Every cost is explained upfront, with absolutely no hidden fees. We'll work with you to understand your financial situation and lay out a clear plan for getting you or your loved one home.
If you want a deeper dive into what we do behind the scenes, you can learn more about the role by reading our guide on what a bail bondsman is.
Fully Remote Process for Your Convenience
One of the biggest advantages we offer is a completely online and remote system. Your family or cosigners can fill out all the paperwork and make payments securely from anywhere, at any time. This is a game-changer for supporters who live out of state or simply can't get to a physical office.
Working with an experienced bail bondsman gives you an advocate who understands the system inside and out. We coordinate directly with the jail to ensure that once booking is complete, the bond is posted without delay.
For immediate, 24/7 expert help arranging your surrender and bail, call or text Express Bail Bonds at 720-984-2245. Let our team at Express Bail Bonds provide the professional guidance you need.
Common Questions About Turning Yourself In
Even with a solid plan, it’s completely normal to have some last-minute questions. The unknown is often the most stressful part of this whole ordeal, so let’s clear up a few of the most common things people ask us.
Getting straight answers helps you walk in feeling prepared and confident, knowing exactly what to expect.
What Should I Bring With Me to the Jail?
The short answer? Almost nothing. Seriously, less is more here. Everything you bring will be taken, inventoried, and stored during booking, which just adds time and hassle to the process.
Here’s the bare-minimum list of what you should have on you:
- Your ID: A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport is a must for identification.
- Prescription Meds: If you need daily medication, bring it in the original, labeled prescription bottle. The jail’s medical staff has to verify it.
- A Little Cash (Optional): A small amount might be nice for a vending machine on your way out, but it's not essential.
Leave your cell phone, wallet, keys, and jewelry with the person who drops you off. It’s the easiest way to make sure your valuables don't get lost in the shuffle and helps speed up the booking process.
How Long Does This Take if My Bond is Pre-Arranged?
This is the number one question we get, and the answer shows why planning ahead is so important. If you walk in without a bond arranged, you could be sitting in a cell for 24 hours or more, just waiting for a bond hearing before your family can even start the process.
With a bond pre-arranged through Express Bail Bonds, we slash that time dramatically. Your stay is cut down to the time it takes for booking—getting fingerprinted and having your photo taken. That’s usually just a few hours. As soon as the jail processes your paperwork, our agent is already there, ready to post the bond and get you released.
Of course, things like how busy the jail is can play a role, but pre-arranging your bond is the single best thing you can do to get out as fast as humanly possible.
Can My Family Handle the Bail Process Remotely?
Absolutely. We built our entire system knowing that your biggest supporters might not live down the street. Your cosigner can handle all the paperwork and payments securely online, from anywhere.
This is a huge weight off everyone's shoulders, especially for families trying to coordinate from another city or even out of state. Whether you're dealing with the courts in Jefferson County, Golden or need bail bonds in Centennial, your loved ones can get everything done without having to drive to our office. Read our client testimonials to learn more.
Often, people find themselves in this situation because of a missed court date, which almost always triggers a warrant. Knowing what to do if you miss a court date is the first step toward fixing the problem and moving forward.
If you're ready to stop worrying and start doing, Express Bail Bonds is standing by 24/7. Our experienced agents will pre-arrange your bond, walk you through the entire turn-in process, and make sure your time in jail is as short as possible. Don't put it off—call or text us anytime at 720-984-2245 or get started online at https://expressbailbonds.com/. See for yourself what our clients think in these Google reviews and testimonials.