What to Do If You Have a Warrant for Your Arrest in Indiana
Discovering that you have an active warrant for your arrest can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether it stems from a missed court date, a new criminal charge, or another legal issue, taking the right steps immediately can help you avoid unnecessary time in jail and additional legal consequences.
As an Indiana criminal defense attorney, I frequently receive calls from individuals who have just learned about their outstanding warrants and need guidance on how to handle the situation. Below, I’ll outline the best steps to take, including how to check if bail has been set, the importance of surrendering strategically, how to modify bail, and how you may be able to recall a warrant before being taken into custody.
1. Check if Bail Has Been Set
Before taking any action, check whether a bail amount has already been set in your case. In Indiana, you can look up your case details online at mycase.in.gov.
If bail has been set, you may be able to post bond before turning yourself in, which could allow you to avoid spending unnecessary time in jail.
Contact your county jail or the court clerk’s office to confirm where and how to post bail before surrendering.
If you have the means to post the full bail amount, doing so immediately can expedite your release.
For more details on what to do if you missed a court date, check out this guide on handling missed court dates in Indiana.
2. Surrender Yourself Strategically
If you're unable to post bond right away, voluntary surrender is the next best option. The worst thing you can do is ignore the warrant—this increases the risk of being arrested unexpectedly at home, work, or during a traffic stop.
Surrendering strategically can be beneficial because:
If arrested in another county, you may have to wait days or even weeks for transfer to the jurisdiction handling your case.
Courts view voluntary surrender more favorably, which could help with bail reduction or leniency.
Your attorney can coordinate your surrender to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
Additionally, failing to appear in court can sometimes lead to new criminal charges. Learn more about failure to appear offenses in Indiana and how to avoid additional penalties here.
3. Modify Bail if Necessary
If the bail amount set by the court is too high, an experienced attorney may be able to file a motion to modify bail to reduce the amount or change the conditions of your release.
Indiana courts sometimes grant bail reductions based on factors such as:
Minimal or no prior criminal history
Employment status and ties to the community
Low risk of flight or danger to the public
There are also different types of bonds that can impact how much you actually have to pay:
Surety Bond: Requires working with a bail bondsman, who typically charges 10% of the total bail amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Allows you or a family member to post 10% of the bail amount directly with the court—without using a bondsman.
For more details on preparing for your case after posting bond, check out this guide on preparing for your criminal case in Indiana.
4. Request to Recall the Warrant
In some situations, your attorney may be able to file a motion to recall the warrant before you are taken into custody.
If successful, this removes the warrant, allowing you to appear at a scheduled court date instead of being arrested.
This is often an option for lower-level offenses or if your failure to appear was due to a legitimate reason (such as a medical emergency).
The decision to recall a warrant is at the judge’s discretion, so a strong legal argument is essential.
What NOT to Do If You Have a Warrant
Ignoring a warrant will only make things worse. Here’s what you should avoid:
DO NOT try to flee or evade arrest—this could result in additional criminal charges.
DO NOT assume the issue will resolve itself—warrants remain active until you address them.
DO NOT post anything on social media about your case—prosecutors may use this against you.
DO NOT attempt to negotiate with law enforcement without legal representation—you could incriminate yourself.
Understanding how to handle your case properly can help avoid unnecessary jail time and strengthen your legal defense.
Need Legal Help? Contact Vining Legal Today
If you or a loved one has an active warrant in Indiana, taking the right steps now can make a big difference. Whether you need help posting bail, recalling a warrant, or modifying bond conditions, Vining Legal is here to provide the experienced legal representation you need.
📞 Call now for a consultation: (317) 759-3225
📅 Schedule your consultation online: Contact Vining Legal