New Bexar County Walk-Through Program: What You Need to Know About the JIAA Self-Turn-In Pilot Program (2025 Update)

101 Stumberg St., Ste. 112 · San Antonio, Texas 78204 · 210-942-4441

If you have an outstanding warrant in San Antonio or Bexar County, there is important new information that could dramatically change how quickly and safely you can resolve it.
Bexar County has launched a new walk-through alternative—officially called the Justice Intake & Assessment Annex (JIAA) Self-Turn-In Pilot Program—designed to speed up processing and reduce time in custody. This program is already becoming a critical tool for attorneys helping clients surrender on warrants.

At Texas Defenders, we represent clients throughout Bexar County and all surrounding counties, and this new procedure is already shaping how we guide clients through warrant resolutions.

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What Is the JIAA Self-Turn-In Pilot Program?

According to the pilot program documentation provided to attorneys, the JIAA initiative allows individuals with any type of outstanding warrant—including family violence warrants—to self-surrender by appointment and be processed within 6–8 hours from their scheduled intake time.

This marks a significant improvement over the old “satellite bond” process and is intended to reduce jail overcrowding, minimize delays, and give attorneys a predictable procedure for clients who need to turn themselves in.

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Why This Matters for People With Warrants in San Antonio

Historically, self-surrendering in Bexar County has been unpredictable. Clients could wait long hours—or even days—before release, even when a bond was already arranged.
This new pilot program offers:

✔ Faster Processing (6–8 Hours)

The program's stated intent is that individuals will be released within 6–8 hours of their scheduled pickup time, assuming all requirements are met.

✔ Acceptance of All Warrant Types

This includes:

• Misdemeanor warrants

• Felony warrants

• Family violence warrants (a major change)

• Bond forfeitures

• Motions to revoke

• Alias warrants and capias warrants

✔ Scheduled Self-Turn-In Times

People are no longer at the mercy of unpredictable jail intake queues. A scheduled time means a smoother, safer, and faster walk-through for clients.

✔ Better Coordination Between Agencies

The program was implemented with participation from:

• Bexar County Sheriff's Office

• District Clerk's Office

• Office of Criminal Justice

• Program coordinators (including Tony Casarez)

This means improved communication and reduced risk of delays or errors.

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How the New Walk-Through Program Works

The pilot program operates Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and requires clients to follow a strict process to qualify for expedited processing.

Step 1: Your Attorney Schedules Your Self-Surrender (24 Hours in Advance)

You must be scheduled at least 24 hours before you turn yourself in.
Scheduling is handled through the program coordinator, Tony Casarez, via email.

Step 2: All Bond Conditions Must Be Confirmed Before Arrival

The program will only accept clients who:

• Have a bond already set, and

• Have met all conditions beforehand

If these steps aren't completed, processing may be delayed and you may lose the benefit of the expedited program.

Step 3: Arrive on Time and With Bond in Hand

Clients must self-surrender with the physical bond paperwork in hand.
Being late can jeopardize the appointment and slow down the entire process.

Step 4: Processing and Release

The goal is to complete the entire process in 6–8 hours.

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Who Is This Program Best For?

This new San Antonio walk-through process is ideal for people who:

• Recently learned they have an outstanding warrant

• Want to avoid a traumatic public arrest

• Need to minimize time away from work or family

• Have an attorney coordinating their surrender

• Have a warrant for family violence, assault, theft, drug possession, probation violations, or other Bexar County charges

If you're not sure whether your warrant qualifies, Texas Defenders can verify your eligibility and arrange your appointment.

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Why You Should Never Self-Surrender Without an Attorney

Even with the new pilot program, mishandling the process can lead to:

• Longer jail time

• Additional conditions or holds

• Higher bond amounts

• Violations that could impact your case

• Missed scheduling and processing windows

Our San Antonio criminal defense team ensures:

• Your bond is set properly

• Conditions are satisfied

• Your surrender is scheduled correctly

• You do not wait unnecessarily in custody

• You avoid common mistakes that slow down release

An attorney-guided walk-through remains the safest, fastest way to clear a warrant in Bexar County.

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How Texas Defenders Helps With San Antonio Warrants

At Texas Defenders, our San Antonio office handles warrants, walk-throughs, bond issues, and criminal cases of all types in Bexar County—except federal and Class C cases.

We assist with:

• Outstanding warrants

• Family violence cases

• Drug possession (including THC cases)

• Assault charges

• Theft and property crimes

• Probation violations

• Motions to revoke/modify

• Bail bond coordination

• Rapid warrant checks and same-day consultations

Our office is steps away from the courthouse:

Texas Defenders – San Antonio
📍 101 Stumberg St., Ste. 112, San Antonio, TX 78204
📞 210-942-4441

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If You Have a Warrant in Bexar County—Call Us First

The new walk-through program is extremely helpful, but it's still a pilot program—meaning delays or changes can occur. An experienced lawyer makes the difference between a smooth surrender and a difficult one.

If you or a loved one has a warrant in San Antonio or Bexar County, call our office immediately. We can verify eligibility, coordinate scheduling, secure bonds, and protect your rights at every step.

Call us today: 210-942-4441

Speak directly with an experienced San Antonio criminal defense lawyer.