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‘Can I personally argue for bail on a body warrant?’

My son has a body warrant issued in Polk County, MN. 3 Polk County Deputies have showed up at his place of employment every shift for 3 days. My son spoke with the city police department yesterday and met with one of the city police officers last evening to turn himself in. He was told by the city police department to turn himself in last night or he might end up not seeing a judge until after the Monday holiday. The city police officer stated that he just got confirmation that my son did not have an active warrant. The city police officer said to contact court administration today to set up his next court appearance. He called Polk County Court Administration today and they said he has an active warrant and to turn himself in. He tried to turn himself in last evening and now is concerned about missing more work.

Answer

A body only warrant is issued by a judge and requires that the person be held until he or she can be brought before the court. Without all of the specifics, it is difficult to say why the local city police department was unable to see the warrant. My advice would be that your son contact Polk County Sheriff Deputies, instead of the local city police department, as they may have different information. I can appreciate his concern about missing more work. He could look at turning himself in either in the evening or first thing in the morning with the hope that he will be on the first available calendar. A criminal defense attorney may be able to request that the warrant be quashed and/or argue to the court at the hearing that your son should be released on his own recognizance or with some sort of minimal bail or conditions.