Turning yourself in vs Warrant

[stmfitr636]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MI

Is there a legal benefit in turning oneself in vs waiting to be picked up on a warrant?

17yr old got caught shoplifting and returning goods for cash ($60 worth). He escaped the store before the police arrived. They called and ask that he turn himself in to avoid a warrant being issued. Should he turn himself in or wait?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MI

Is there a legal benefit in turning oneself in vs waiting to be picked up on a warrant?

17yr old got caught shoplifting and returning goods for cash ($60 worth). He escaped the store before the police arrived. They called and ask that he turn himself in to avoid a warrant being issued. Should he turn himself in or wait?

He should speak to a criminal defense attorney.

 

[tranquility]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MI

Is there a legal benefit in turning oneself in vs waiting to be picked up on a warrant?

17yr old got caught shoplifting and returning goods for cash ($60 worth). He escaped the store before the police arrived. They called and ask that he turn himself in to avoid a warrant being issued. Should he turn himself in or wait?

Depends on if you want to deal with the problem on your terms or if you suddenly want a very bad day, car towed and guaranteed time in a cell when you make a lane change without putting on your blinker.

 

[LdiJ]

Depends on if you want to deal with the problem on your terms or if you suddenly want a very bad day, car towed and guaranteed time in a cell when you make a lane change without putting on your blinker.

Eh...I am going to reiterate the "do nothing without consulting a criminal defense attorney" response. I find it odd, to say the least, that the police would ask someone to turn themselves in to avoid a warrant. That sounds more like asking for a confession to a crime the police cannot prove. It could go down the way that you are suggesting, but its an odd way for the police to handle things.

I could see the police stating that a warrant was issued and suggesting that if someone turns themselves in that things would go smoother for them.

 

[quincy]

I agree with you, LdiJ.

Speaking with an attorney first is by far better than heading off to the police department to be arrested and charged.

 

[CdwJava]

The advantage of going in and talking - even if it is nothing more than to give your name, DOB and address - is that you might, instead, receive a citation ... or nothing at all! If the police go for a warrant, then you almost certainly WILL be going to jail for booking at some point.

Obtaining a warrant means paperwork. Cops are like most people - they tend to want to avoid the additional paperwork if they can avoid it. While you should certainly speak to an attorney, you can still exert your right to remain silent going in to meet with them. and potentially avoid an inconvenient arrest.