Indiana Arrest Warrants & Can you leave the state on bail?

"Curious about Indiana Arrest Warrants? Find Out if You Can Leave the State on Bail!"

Bail Bonds

What is an Indiana Arrest Warrant?

An Indiana arrest warrant authorizes police to take a person into custody on suspicion of a crime. For validity, it requires a sworn affidavit of probable cause. Warrants can be issued for various reasons, such as criminal offenses, traffic violations, family court issues, or failure to appear in court. When a warrant is issued, it is crucial to follow protocol by contacting the court and turning oneself in for processing to resolve the issue promptly. Common questions include: Do I need to turn myself in to lift a bond? Can I bond out with a warrant? Can I pay a bail bondsman before turning myself in? Can I leave Indiana if out on bail? This article addresses these questions to help understand the warrant process and how to lift a warrant lawfully.

Do I have to turn myself in to lift a warrant?

Yes, when a warrant is issued, specific protocols must be followed. At Smith American Bail Bonds, we understand this can be confusing and intimidating. Turning oneself in proactively can expedite the process and avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment of being detained unexpectedly. The best approach is to go to the courthouse, either alone or with an attorney. If a surety bond is involved, contacting a bondsman for assistance is advisable. A bondsman can also accompany the defendant to the courthouse if needed.

Can I bond out if I have a warrant?

If the warrant has a bond attached, then that bond can be paid. Not all warrants have a bond issued along with them so to find out if there is a bond contact Smith American Bail Bonds and one of our agents will look up the case and check to see if there is a bond and if so, what kind of bond has been assigned.  There are two different kinds of bonds, and they can be handled in different ways, which leads us to the next question.

Can I pay my bond to a bail bondsman before I turn myself in?

There are two types of bonds: surety bond and cash bond. A cash bond must be paid directly to the jail by visiting the courthouse clerk’s office in person. The defendant cannot pay their own cash bond until they are detained and appear in the system, so a trusted individual should monitor the defendant's status and pay the bond on their behalf once they are in the system. A surety bond allows the defendant to pay the bond before surrendering or after being processed, with the option to designate someone to pay it on their behalf.

Bail Bondsman

With either choice, when dealing with a surety bond, the defendant must have turned themselves in and the warrant must show up in the system as being served/lifted before the bond will be processed.  So, whether it is a cash bond (paid to the jail directly) or a surety bond (a bondman must be contacted and used) the defendant won’t be released until they turn themselves in, the warrant shows in the system as served, and the bond has been paid.  This may seem like a lot to process but remember at Smith American Bail Bonds we are here to help aid our clients in making this process as easy and understandable as possible. We strive to stay updated on the status of all our clients so that they and their loved ones will have the most up to date information available. 

Can I leave the state of Indiana if out on bail?

This frequently asked question can be tricky, so let's simplify travel restrictions. When a cash or surety bond is issued with a warrant, the judge will specify any restrictions once the warrant is satisfied and the bond paid. These restrictions may include GPS tracking, home detention, passport surrender, no contact, or no trespassing orders. Travel restrictions are court-imposed, detailing where the defendant can go and who they can be around. Compliance with these restrictions is mandatory. A judge may choose not to impose travel restrictions, but with surety bail, the bondsman can add stipulations based on the case's seriousness.

At Smith American Bail Bonds, we assist clients in complying with court requirements and completing their cases efficiently. We offer resources for bond payment, ensure compliance through weekly check-ins, and provide 24-hour support. While not attorneys, we answer questions about bail, warrants, missed court dates, and compliance, with tailored assistance. This article clarifies warrants and their handling process. We help clients post bonds, stay informed on case changes, and guide them after bond payment. Promptly addressing warrants is crucial, and we simplify the process when a surety bond is involved. For bail bond assistance, contact Smith American Bail Bonds at 317-531-5447. A Bail Bondsman is available 24/7.