What to Do When There’s a Warrant for Your Arrest

The Smart Way to Handle an Arrest Warrant Before Police Knock

When you find out there’s a warrant out for your arrest, it’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. Whether it’s for something as minor as unpaid traffic tickets or serious felony charges, ignoring it won’t make it go away. Warrants don’t expire. They’ll sit in the system until law enforcement makes the arrest. The smart move is to face your arrest warrant with a plan, starting with a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Understand What a Warrant Means

Not all warrants are the same and understanding what type of warrant has been issued will help you determine your next steps. 

·      Arrest warrant. This is the type of warrant that will lead to your arrest. Arrest warrants are issued when the state has probable cause that you’ve committed a crime. When an arrest warrant has been issued, police can arrest you anywhere, including at home, work, or during a traffic stop.

·      Bench warrant. This type of warrant is issued for things like missing a court date, unpaid fines, or probation violations. It’s easy to resolve when you act fast, and it doesn’t mean you’re about to get arrested.

·      Search warrant. A search warrant isn’t an authorization for your arrest. Rather, it gives police the right to search your property without your consent. However, evidence found during a search can be used to either arrest you on the spot or obtain an arrest warrant later, depending on what’s found.

While there are a variety of reasons arrest warrants are issued, most are for failure to appear in court.

Verify the Warrant Before You Panic

Rumors and assumptions can cause unnecessary fear. Confirm the warrant as soon as possible. Most states have an online database where you can search for your name to see if there’s a warrant for your arrest. If you don’t find anything, call the clerk’s office and they can let you know if there is a warrant and why it was issued. Whatever you do, don’t contact the police directly. They might attempt to arrest you on the spot. Go through official court channels or hire a lawyer so you have enough time to prepare.

Contact an Attorney Right Away

The biggest mistake you can make is waiting until after you’ve been arrested to get legal counsel. Secure a lawyer right away. Early advice will pay off. An attorney can check the status of your warrant, explain the charges, and outline the safest way to respond. They can also help arrange a self-surrender that will avoid the embarrassment of being arrested in public. Most importantly, a lawyer can prepare bail requests in advance to help minimize the amount of time you spend in custody.

Prepare for Surrender

Voluntarily turning yourself in is a much better option than being arrested unexpectedly. With the help of a lawyer, you can surrender when a judge is available to set bail. Planning your surrender with an attorney will allow you to plan for childcare, notify your employer, and make other arrangements if needed. Voluntarily surrendering to an arrest warrant shows good faith to the court and can work in your favor later on.

Don’t Make Things Worse

Certain mistakes can complicate your situation and add new charges. For example, trying to avoid a warrant, arguing with police during your arrest, and talking to police without a lawyer can make your situation worse. Even when you’re being cooperative by surrendering, it’s still critical to protect your legal right to remain silent. 

Know What Will Happen in Court

Planning for your surrender is only one step. You also need to plan for what comes next. Depending on your charges, you might be released on bail or personal recognizance. Whatever you do, don’t miss a court date or you’ll have another warrant issued for your arrest. If you’re offered a plea deal, your lawyer will negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. 

Face Your Warrant Head-on

An arrest warrant can be scary, but it isn’t the end of the world. Don’t ignore it because that will guarantee an adverse outcome. If you suspect there’s a warrant out for your arrest, confirm the warrant is valid and contact a lawyer immediately. Plan for surrender and if you get bail, don’t skip any court appearances. Facing the issue directly will show the court that you’re responsible and will give you the best opportunity at minimizing the impact on your life.