When’s The Best Time To Turn Yourself In?

The best time to turn yourself in is during weekday mornings when courts, jails, and bail bond offices are open. Turning yourself in early allows your booking, bail, and court paperwork to be processed the same day, helping you avoid unnecessary overnight stays. Planning with your attorney and bail bondsman can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Best Days To Turn Yourself In
Weekdays are the most efficient time to surrender. Courts, clerks, and law offices operate on regular schedules from Monday through Friday. Turning yourself in at the beginning of the week ensures your case moves faster and avoids delays caused by weekend closures.
- Monday through Wednesday – Ideal days for quicker court processing
- Thursday – Acceptable, but risk of weekend delays if paperwork runs late
- Friday or weekend – Not recommended since courts are closed or limited
Best Time Of Day
Morning hours are the most practical time to turn yourself in. This gives jail staff time to complete your intake, run background checks, and schedule your bond hearing if needed. It also increases your chances of being released the same day if bail is available.
- 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM – Ideal window for fast processing
- Before noon – Ensures access to court staff and bail services
- Avoid late afternoon or night – Limited staff can delay booking or release until the next day
Why Timing Matters
When you turn yourself in during regular business hours, all departments involved in the process are open. Booking, court processing, and bail paperwork can be handled immediately, preventing long waits or overnight detention. Turning yourself in at poor times, like weekends or holidays, can leave you in custody until the next court session.
- Faster booking and bond processing
- Better coordination with your attorney
- More staff available for fingerprinting and identification
- Higher chance of same-day release
Preparing Before You Surrender
Preparation makes the process less stressful and helps you get out faster. You should coordinate with your lawyer and, if possible, a bail bondsman before turning yourself in. Bring the necessary documents and avoid bringing personal items that are not allowed inside the jail.
- Confirm the warrant and charges with your attorney
- Arrange bail payment or contact a bondsman in advance
- Bring identification and required paperwork
- Leave valuables, electronics, and unnecessary items at home
- Inform family or a trusted contact of your plan
What Happens After You Turn Yourself In
Once you surrender, officers will process your information, run background checks, and officially book you. Depending on your case, you may be eligible for immediate bond or have to wait for a court hearing.
- Fingerprinting and a mugshot were taken during booking
- Medical screening and personal property check
- Bail is set or confirmed by the court
- Release occurs after bail payment or bondsman posting
Key Tip For Kansas Residents
In Kansas, turning yourself in early in the day at the county where your warrant was issued helps avoid delays. Most Kansas jails process self-surrenders Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM. Calling ahead to confirm procedures is highly recommended.
Timing and preparation are critical when turning yourself in. Choosing weekday mornings and coordinating with legal counsel helps you minimize time in custody and maintain control over the situation.



