Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer | Planning a Voluntary Surrender
Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor Kevin Kennedy. 615-205-7311. Call or text for a free consultation.
If You Know You Have a Davidson County Warrant, Do Not Ignore It
A Davidson County warrant can turn an ordinary traffic stop, workplace encounter, or contact with police into an unexpected arrest. If you know or strongly suspect that a criminal warrant is outstanding, voluntarily addressing it can give you more control over when and how the arrest process occurs.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department specifically encourages wanted individuals to turn themselves in rather than wait to be located. MNPD notes that a planned surrender can allow a person to make arrangements with an attorney, bondsman, employer, and family beforehand.
Where Do You Turn Yourself In in Nashville?
MNPD's Criminal Warrants Division is located at 440 3rd Avenue North in Nashville. The department states that warrant information is handled in person because warrants can contain confidential information. A person seeking warrant information should bring photo identification.
General Sessions Court also publishes surrender information directing people who have to turn themselves in to the first floor of the Justice A.A. Birch Building at 408 2nd Avenue North and provides citation-booking numbers for assistance. Because the proper procedure can depend on the type of warrant, confirm the warrant and surrender instructions before simply appearing at a location.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer Before Surrendering?
Often, yes. An attorney can investigate the available court record, identify what kind of warrant exists, determine the underlying charge, review the existing or expected bond, and help plan for what happens after the warrant is served.
A lawyer cannot promise that a person will avoid custody simply because the surrender is voluntary. But planning can reduce uncertainty and allow the defendant and family to prepare for bond, transportation, employment obligations, medication needs, and the next court date.
Can I Arrange a Bondsman Before I Go?
Depending on the warrant and bond status, a defendant may be able to speak with a bondsman before surrendering. MNPD itself lists making prior arrangements with a bondsman as one benefit of voluntary surrender.
That does not mean every warrant already has a usable bond or that every defendant will be immediately eligible for release. Probation violations, certain serious charges, holds, revoked bonds, and other circumstances can affect what happens after surrender.
What If the Warrant Is From Missing General Sessions Court?
A failure-to-appear warrant can be different from a new-charge warrant. Davidson County General Sessions Court publishes a procedure for requesting a Set Aside for Failure to Appear. The Criminal Clerk's Office provides the warrant copy and set-aside form, and the order must be presented to a judge for signature.
If Pretrial Services or a bonding company is involved, the court's published procedure requires documentation that they agree to remain on the bond. The published set-aside procedure applies to General Sessions cases; warrants arising in Criminal Court, probation cases, or other settings may require a different approach.
What If It Is a New Criminal Warrant?
A warrant for a new charge generally must be served through the arrest process. Before surrendering, it is useful to know the exact offense, whether a bond has already been set, whether the charge carries special bail restrictions, and whether there are multiple warrants.
Once the warrant is served, the defendant may be booked and processed through Davidson County's criminal-justice system. Release timing depends on the charge, bond, holds, and any conditions imposed.
What Should I Bring or Arrange Before Surrender?
Preparation should be practical and lawful. Consider arranging transportation, notifying a trusted family member, addressing childcare or work obligations, and making sure someone has the information needed to help with bond if necessary.
Do not bring contraband or unnecessary valuables into a surrender. If you take prescription medication, consider having accurate medication information available for jail medical staff. An attorney can help explain what to expect based on the specific warrant.
Can a Voluntary Surrender Help My Case?
Voluntary surrender does not erase the underlying charge and does not guarantee a lower bond or favorable outcome. It can, however, demonstrate that the defendant addressed the warrant rather than continuing to avoid it, and it may allow the process to occur in a more organized way.
The defense of the actual criminal charge remains separate. Once the immediate warrant issue is handled, counsel can focus on the evidence, legal defenses, and possible resolution of the case.
Talk With a Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer
Kevin Kennedy is a former Davidson County prosecutor who now represents people charged with crimes in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee. If you need to surrender on a Davidson County warrant, Kevin Kennedy Law Firm can review the available case information and help you plan for the warrant, bond, and next court date.
Call Kevin Kennedy Law Firm at (615) 205-7311 to discuss the situation.