What Happens When You Turn Yourself In

If you know there is a warrant out for your arrest in Clark County, you have two choices: wait to be picked up, or turn yourself in voluntarily. One of those options goes much better than the other.

Turning yourself in is almost always the smarter move — it gives you control over the timing, puts you in a better light with the judge, and can directly affect your bail amount. But walking into a police station or jail without knowing what to expect is its own kind of stress.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens when you turn yourself in on a warrant in Nevada — from the moment you call your attorney to the moment you walk out of the Clark County Detention Center.

The takeaway: Turning yourself in voluntarily signals to the court that you are not a flight risk — which can work in your favor at the bail hearing.

1. Why Turning Yourself In Is Almost Always the Better Option

There is a real difference between being arrested and choosing to surrender. When law enforcement comes to your home, your job, or your child’s school to arrest you, you have zero control over any part of that situation. When you turn yourself in:

• You choose the time and day — which affects how quickly you move through booking
• You arrive prepared, with personal items managed and family notified
• Your attorney can be standing by and may be able to appear at your bail hearing the same day
• Judges and prosecutors take note of voluntary surrender — it demonstrates you are not fleeing and are willing to face the legal process

In Nevada, a judge considers a defendant’s history of court appearances and community ties when setting bail. Someone who walked through the door voluntarily presents a very different profile than someone who was chased down by a fugitive recovery team.

The takeaway: Voluntary surrender is a strategic decision, not just a moral one. It can affect your bail amount, the judge’s perception, and how fast you get home.

2. First: Understand What Type of Warrant You Have

Not all warrants are the same, and the type of warrant affects where you surrender, how the process unfolds, and what happens next.

Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is issued by a judge when law enforcement presents sufficient probable cause that you committed a crime. It authorizes police to arrest you anywhere they find you. Felony arrest warrants are the most serious and carry the heaviest bail requirements.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge — typically because a defendant failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing. Under Nevada law, a bench warrant means you are already in the court system and missed a required appearance. Bench warrants do not expire. They remain active until you are arrested or appear before the judge.

Bench warrants are extremely common. They are issued for everything from missing a traffic court date to failing to appear on a misdemeanor charge. If you have a bench warrant in Clark County, it will show up in any law enforcement database and can result in arrest during a routine traffic stop.

Search Warrants

A search warrant authorizes police to search a specific location for specific items — it does not authorize an arrest directly. However, evidence found during a search can lead to arrest warrants being issued.

The takeaway: Know your warrant type before you do anything else. A bench warrant and a felony arrest warrant require very different responses.

3. Hire an Attorney Before You Surrender

This is the single most important step, and it cannot be overstated: do not turn yourself in without first speaking to a criminal defense attorney.

An attorney can:

• Confirm the exact nature and status of the warrant
• Negotiate with prosecutors before you surrender, which can affect charges and bail
• Contact the court or detective assigned to the case to arrange a smoother surrender
• Be present at or arrange your bail hearing for the same day you book in
• Advise you on what to say (and what not to say) during booking

Many people skip the attorney step because they think they cannot afford one or because they want to “just get it over with.” This is a mistake. The difference between having an attorney at your bail hearing and not having one can mean the difference between going home that night and sitting in CCDC for days.

If you cannot afford a private attorney, you have the right to a public defender in Nevada — but public defenders are assigned after arraignment, not before. For pre-surrender strategy, a private criminal defense consultation is worth the investment.

4. Contact the Court or LVMPD to Arrange Surrender

Once you have spoken to your attorney, the next step is contacting the appropriate authority to arrange your surrender. In Las Vegas and Clark County, that typically means one of the following:

• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) — for most Clark County arrests
• Henderson Police Department — for warrants issued in Henderson
• North Las Vegas Police Department — for North Las Vegas warrants
• The issuing court directly — for bench warrants, your attorney can sometimes arrange a court appearance rather than a jail surrender

Your attorney will usually make this call on your behalf. If you are handling it yourself, call the records or warrant division and state that you are calling to arrange voluntary surrender on an outstanding warrant. Do not provide details about your case beyond what is necessary — be cooperative but brief.

The takeaway: A coordinated surrender with advance notice goes smoother than walking in unannounced. Your attorney should make this call, not you.

5. What the Booking Process Looks Like at CCDC

The Clark County Detention Center (CCDC) at 330 S. Casino Center Blvd in downtown Las Vegas is where most Clark County arrests are processed. Here is what to expect:

Step 1 — Intake and Search

You will be searched thoroughly upon arrival. Remove everything from your pockets beforehand. Do not bring: mobile phones, wallets, cash over a minimal amount, jewelry, belts, or anything that could be considered contraband. Write down the phone numbers you need on paper and leave it with someone outside.

Step 2 — Identification and Fingerprinting

You will be photographed, fingerprinted, and your identity will be confirmed against the warrant. This is standard for all bookings.

Step 3 — Medical Screening

CCDC conducts a basic health screening. If you take prescription medications or have a medical condition that requires equipment or special accommodation, disclose this immediately. Bring documentation if you have it.

Step 4 — Property Storage

Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored until release. You will receive a receipt.

Step 5 — Housing Assignment

While awaiting your bail hearing, you will be placed in a holding area or assigned to a general population unit, depending on the charge.

Timing matters: Surrendering in the morning — ideally before 8 a.m. — gives you the best chance of moving through the system the same day and appearing at a bail hearing before close of business. Surrendering on a Friday afternoon or before a holiday weekend means you may wait through the weekend before seeing a judge.

The takeaway: Morning surrenders on weekdays move fastest. If at all possible, avoid surrendering on Friday afternoon or before a holiday.

6. What Happens at Your Bail Hearing in Nevada

After booking, you will appear before a judge for an arraignment and bail hearing. In Nevada, this must occur within 72 hours of arrest for most charges, though it typically happens much sooner.

At the bail hearing, the judge considers:

• The severity of the charge
• Your criminal history and prior failures to appear
• Your ties to the community (employment, family, length of Nevada residency)
• Whether you are a flight risk or a danger to others
• The fact that you surrendered voluntarily — this works in your favor

The judge will then set bail, deny bail (only for capital offenses or specific violent charges under NRS 178.4853), or release you on your own recognizance (OR release) with no bail required.

If bail is set, you have two options: pay the full cash bail amount directly to the court, or contact a licensed Nevada bail bond company.

7. How to Get Out Fast With a Bail Bond in Nevada

If bail is set and you cannot pay the full amount upfront — which is the case for most families — a licensed bail bondsman can secure your release.

Under NRS 697.300, the Nevada bail bond premium rate is 15% of the total bail amount. You pay 15%, the bondsman posts the full bail to the court, and you are released. 

Example: Bail is set at $15,000. You pay $2,250 to the bondsman. Your loved one is released, typically within 2 to 8 hours of the bond being posted at CCDC, depending on jail processing volume.

At 8-Ball Bail Bonds, we answer the phone 24 hours a day — including nights, weekends, and holidays. The moment bail is set, call us and we will begin the process immediately.

Call (702) 545-0888 — we are available right now.

The takeaway: You do not need to pay the full bail amount. At 15%, a $20,000 bail costs $3,000 through a licensed Nevada bondsman. We move fast so your loved one gets home faster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turning Yourself In

Will turning myself in make the charges go away?

No. Turning yourself in resolves the warrant — it does not affect the underlying charges. However, voluntary surrender demonstrates to the court that you are not a flight risk, which can positively influence the judge’s decision at your bail hearing and may be viewed favorably during sentencing if the case proceeds to trial.

What should I bring when I turn myself in? 

Bring as little as possible. Do not bring your phone — it will be taken. Write down the phone numbers you need (your attorney, a family member, your bail bondsman) on paper and leave it with someone on the outside. Wear comfortable, conservative clothing. If you have prescription medications, bring documentation but understand medications may be managed through the jail’s medical team.

Can I be released the same day I turn myself in?

Yes — if your bail hearing is held the same day and bail is posted quickly. Morning surrenders on weekdays have the best chance of same-day release. Once bail is posted, CCDC typically processes release within 2 to 8 hours. Weekend and holiday bookings take longer.

What if I have a bench warrant for missing a court date?

A bench warrant for failure to appear is serious but very common. An attorney can sometimes arrange for you to appear directly in front of the judge rather than booking through the jail. The judge may lift the warrant, reset your court date, and release you — especially if this is your first failure to appear and you have a legitimate explanation.

Do I have to talk to police when I turn myself in?

No. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. You should provide your name and identification information — refusing to identify yourself can create additional problems — but you are not required to answer questions about your case. Say clearly: “I am turning myself in on a warrant. I am exercising my right to remain silent and I would like to speak with my attorney.” Then stop talking.

What happens if there is no bail set and I am released on OR?

An Own Recognizance (OR) release means the judge determined you are not a flight risk and released you without requiring bail. You sign a written promise to appear at all future court dates. If you fail to appear, a bench warrant is immediately issued and your OR status is revoked — and you will be held without the possibility of OR release again.

How does a bail bondsman know my bail amount before I call?

You or your attorney will receive the bail amount at the conclusion of the bail hearing. As soon as that number is set, call us at (702) 545-0888. We can begin processing the bond immediately so your release is initiated as fast as possible after the hearing.

Ready to Get Started? Call 8-Ball Bail Bonds Now

If a loved one is turning themselves in — or has already been booked — call 8-Ball Bail Bonds the moment bail is set. We have been serving Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and all of Clark County since 2009.

Call (702) 545-0888 — available 24/7, every day of the year.

We move fast. The sooner you call, the sooner your loved one comes home.