If you’ve just found out that there’s a warrant out for your arrest in Mississippi, it’s easy to panic. Maybe you heard it from a friend. Maybe a deputy stopped by your house. However you found out, take a breath. This is not the time to run, and it’s not the time to ignore it. It’s time to get smart.
Don’t Wait for the Knock at the Door
When there’s a warrant out, law enforcement can come pick you up at work, at home, or even in front of your kids. Handling it on your terms, before that happens, can make all the difference.
By proactively addressing a warrant, you:
Avoid a public arrest
Gain some control over how and when you turn yourself in
Put yourself in a better light with the court
Give your lawyer time to prepare a plan
Talk to a Lawyer First. Always.
This can’t be overstated. Before you turn yourself in, contact a defense lawyer who practices regularly in the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued. A good lawyer will:
Confirm the existence of the warrant
Find out what it’s for and whether bond is already set
Arrange a safe, discreet surrender (if needed)
In some rare cases, work to have the warrant withdrawn without an arrest
This isn’t something you want to navigate on your own. Even if the warrant is for something you think is “minor,” getting legal guidance could mean the difference between walking into a courtroom or getting picked up on the side of the road in front of your family.
Don’t Try to Talk Your Way Out of It
Once you know there’s a warrant, do not call the police to “explain yourself.” Anything you say can and will be used against you. Law enforcement officers are not there to be talked out of arresting you; they’re there to execute the warrant.
Let your lawyer do the talking. Your job is to stay calm and stay quiet.
Taking Responsibility Isn’t the Same as Giving Up
People sometimes confuse hiring a lawyer and turning themselves in with “admitting guilt.” That’s not the case. In fact, getting ahead of the process often puts you in a stronger position to fight the charges. Judges and prosecutors respect defendants who take the process seriously, and they take notice when a lawyer is involved early.
Here at Eichelberger Law Firm, we’ve helped people across Mississippi resolve outstanding warrants with dignity and discretion. Whether it’s a missed court date, an old charge, or a surprise indictment, we know how to handle it.
Call us today at 601-202-9981 to protect your freedom and your future.