QUESTION
Should I turn myself in after committing a crime?
Asked on Aug 12th, 2011 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
If I committed a crime against someone, but they aren't pressing charges, should I still turn myself in?
31 ANSWERS
No.
Answered on Jun 09th, 2013 at 9:10 PM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
at
Austin Legal Services, PLC
Update Your Profile
You can't turn yourself in unless there are pending charges. What would you be turning yourself in for? The police would have nothing to hold you on. It is up the complaining witness and the prosecutor to press criminal charges. If that occurs then that is a different matter and you would want to strongly consider turning yourself in or else run the risk of getting picked up. If it comes to that stage, make sure you have a lawyer involved.
Answered on Aug 24th, 2011 at 4:46 PM
Jacob P. Sartz
I'd recommend that retain an attorney to assist you with this matter. I wouldn't just take that person's word for it. Before you did anything with the police though, I'd strongly recommend you privately consult with an attorney. Most attorneys provide free initial consultations. Speaking generally, simply because someone tells you they aren't pressing charges does not mean that won't, actually, refuse to press charges. Whether they press charges is up to them. If they had already filed a police report, then the matter is at the discretion of the police and prosecutor. Even if the "victim" no longer wishes to press charges, the case may proceed anyway, especially if the prosecutor has other potential witnesses. Simply because a person is charged, however, does not mean that ultimately the prosecutor could prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt. Obviously, to a judge or jury, the "victim's" views on the matter certainly will be important.
Answered on Aug 17th, 2011 at 12:59 PM
It would be nice to know what the crime is and the relationship with the victim is. If the crime was reported then your best option is to turn yourself in. If the crime was unreported then make peace with the victim and let it go.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Steven D. Dunnings
No. You can call the police agency to see if they will advise if an arrest warrant has been issued
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
at
Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
Update Your Profile
I can't answer that question based upon your e-mail, as I do not know what you did that constitutes a crime. You may want to speak in more detail with an attorney.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 9:58 AM
General Litigation Attorney serving Shelby Township, MI
at
Law Offices of Jeffery A. Cojocar, P.C.
Update Your Profile
No, get an attorney
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 9:53 AM
If there is no criminal charge, there is nothing to turn yourself in for.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 9:07 AM
That would be extremely unwise. You should contact a criminal defense law firm immediately to discuss your case. DO NOT GO TO THE POLICE.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 8:25 AM
Michael J. Breczinski
Not if charges are not being pressed. No charges nothing to get arrested on.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 7:41 AM
Appellate Practice Attorney serving Clinton Township, MI
at
Thomas J. Tomko, Attorney at Law
Update Your Profile
Thank you for your inquiry. You do not fully describe what may have occurred, and I would not do so on th einternet. However, in many situations, it may be best to not turn yourself in if there will be no charges. In other circumstances, where it is just a matter of time before charges will be brought, hiring an attorney to review the situation may result in voluntarily presenting yourself as opposed to just getting arrested some day. My advice is to hire an attorney to review the situation. If your matter is in Macomb Oakland or Wayne Counties, you could contact my office for an appointment. Until then, you may wish to do nothing, and certainly do not make statements to any investigating police officer. I hope that this was helpful.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 7:30 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Bloomfield Hills, MI
Partner at
Law Offices of Marshall S. Tauber
2 Awards
Not without a full consultation & representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer every dollar spent will be worth it.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Absolutely not until after discussing the issue with a qualified attorney who should be able to confirm that a action is actually pending.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 7:15 AM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
at
Klisz Law Office, PLLC
Update Your Profile
Are you kidding? The police wouldn't even talk to you without a complaint being filed. Apologize to the person you harmed, pay them damages if you want and be happy.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 7:14 AM
Roianne Houlton Conner
If they are not pressing charges the police would not keep you. No.
Answered on Aug 15th, 2011 at 7:06 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Lancaster, NH
at
Harden Law Office
Update Your Profile
If police have charged you and there is an outstanding warrant you turn self in. If no pending charge or warrant do not go to police. There is no reason to admit to anything. Do not talk.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 6:17 PM
3 Awards
That is a moral question but there are other ways to make up for your actions - volunteer somewhere.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 5:35 PM
If they are not "pressing charges" and there is no case filed by the local prosecutor, who would you turn yourself in to? Nobody would know what to do with you without a pending case.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 4:01 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Omaha, NE
Partner at
Chandler Conway, P.C., L.L.O.
You cannot turn yourself in unless there is a warrant for your arrest. So, if there is a warrant for your arrest, then yes, you should turn yourself in. If there is not a warrant for your arrest, then no, you should not turn yourself in. If you do choose to turn yourself in, it is best to speak with a lawyer beforehand, so you can plan when to do it and know what to expect.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 3:59 PM
Assault and Battery Attorney serving Tacoma, WA
at
Michael Maltby, Attorney at Law
Update Your Profile
I see nothing to be gained for turning yourself in unless you have a need to appease your conscience. Before you do, seek legal counsel. There may be a better alternative.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Seattle, WA
at
Eric Schurman Attorney at Law
Update Your Profile
No. Not without first consulting with an attorney.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 3:47 PM
No you shouldn't. And remember not to talk to anyone who is not a lawyer about it, because they become witnesses of your incriminating statements.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 3:37 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Montrose, NY
at
Law Office of Jared Altman
Update Your Profile
That's not a legal question but a moral one. I wouldn't. But you're not me.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 3:33 PM
2 Awards
You are under no legal obligation to do so. That is a purely ethical question and depends on what you did, to whom, and you. If you do want to turn yourself in, you definitely should go see a lawyer before doing so.
Answered on Aug 14th, 2011 at 3:19 PM
Drug Charges Attorney serving Houston, TX
at
Cynthia Henley
Update Your Profile
If there is a warrant for your arrest, you should hire a lawyer and then hire a bondsman so you can post a bond without being arrested. If there is no warrant, there is nothing for you to "turn [your]self in" for. Whatever you do, do not discuss the situation with ANYONE but a lawyer. Do not talk to the complainant, family, friends, or POLICE. If the cops call you, go hire a lawyer immediately. If you get picked up, assert your right to a lawyer and to the 5th Amendment.
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 1:15 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Orange, CA
at
Law Office of Joe Dane
Update Your Profile
Why would you want to be arrested, prosecuted and possibly convicted if there was currently no case against you? Sorry about any typos
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 12:35 PM
2 Awards
If there is a warrant out for you, an attorney cannot advise you to avoid the warrant. I suggest you consult a local Criminal Defense attorney IMMEDIATELY to discuss your case in greater detail and learn all of your rights and options. Good luck.
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
at
Nelson & Lawless
Update Your Profile
If the victim is not pressing charges, there is nothing to turn yourself in for. Dont kick a sleeping dog. If and when you are ever contacted by any investigator or other authority about the crime, exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to ANYONE about the case except an attorney. Hire an attorney, unless you know how to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor intending to convict. Most police and prosecutors will happily tell you that 95% of people convict themselves by trying to be 'helpful and cooperative', either during initial contact, questioning, interview or interrogation. If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Worcester, MA
at
Gregory Casale, Attorney at Law
Update Your Profile
Absolutely not! Never tell the police anything. If you get a summons, hire an attorney. If you get a call from the police, do not speak with them. You have the right to remain silent and the right not to incriminate yourself. Those are your Constitutional rights. It is not your obligation to turn yourself in unless there is a warrant or summons for you.
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Drug Crimes Attorney serving Philadelphia, PA
at
Laguzzi Law, P.C.
Update Your Profile
Why would you do that? If there is no arrest warrant then there is nothing for you to "turn yourself in on."
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Steven C. Bullock
NO! Just credit it to a dumb thing to do and if this is a friend buy them dinner if it's not a friend.......count your lucky stars
Answered on Aug 13th, 2011 at 11:56 AM