What would happen if I turned myself in over the weekend for a bench warrant (failure to pay fines)
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What would happen if I turned myself in over the weekend for a bench warrant (failure to pay fines)
I have no possible way to pay these fines. I am going to be on disability in four months with the help of my mental health case manager. I live in mental health housing and pay 93 dollars to live here. I can’t even come up with rent. I can ot pay these fines. What will they do? My charge is a m1 theft, my first offense. My fines are 244 dollars.
Asked on June 19, 2009 under Criminal Law, Ohio
Answers:
B. B., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
I don't think you should turn yourself in over the weekend, because you'll probably spend the weekend in jail. I think you need to turn yourself in when the court is open and in session, and I think you ought to call ahead so that you can go in front of the judge. It would be very helpful if your mental health case manager could be available to testify as well, and sometimes courts will take testimony by telephone.
In your circumstances, it may be possible to get the fines put on hould until your disability payments start. I wish you the best of luck with this.
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