What Do I Do If I Have a Warrant?

There are two types of warrants: a bench warrant and a warrant for your arrest. A bench warrant is typically issued by a judge because you failed to appear in court. This type of warrant allows law enforcement to arrest you in your home, on the road, or anywhere they can find you and take physical custody of you. A warrant for your arrest means the court has given law enforcement permission to arrest you because there is probable cause that you were involved in criminal activity. If there is a warrant for your arrest, you should not ignore it; instead contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the warrant and represent you in court to avoid complications in your case.                       

Here are the steps to take to handle the warrant:

1. Do not ignore the warrant: an outstanding warrant can lead to an arrest when you are stopped or make travel plans more difficult.
2. Call and consult with a lawyer. A lawyer can explain the charges and the type of warrant, help you understand your rights, and represent you through the legal process. A valid arrest warrant will have probable cause, description of the suspect, and sworn statements by law enforcement. Once you hire an attorney, he or she can help you with quashing your warrant in court and reschedule the court hearing. Here are some factors the court considers in quashing the warrant:
   • Reason you missed court (emergency related reasons are better than personal, family or work-related reasons)
   • Length of time between when you missed your court date and when you contacted the court to try to take care of the warrant (the shorter time between when you missed your court and contacting the court is better)
   • Your past criminal and failures to appear (FTA) record (the fewer criminal convictions and fewer FTAs, the better)
3. Avoid traveling, especially internationally, as you can be arrested in a different jurisdiction than where you live.
4. If a police officer shows up at your door to arrest you after a warrant is issued, do not try to escape the arrest as that would make matters more difficult. Instead comply and then give your attorney a call.
5. You should contact a bail bondsperson to help arrange the posting of bail for you after you are arrested. Arranging bail before you are arrested can reduce the amount of time you spend in jail.
6. You can pay the warrant amount by either cash or bond. If you pay that amount, your warrant will be quashed, and the case will be rescheduled to another date.
7. Do not miss any court dates after you have been either released on bail or the judge quashed your warrant.

Do you have an active arrest warrant or a bench warrant? Call Powers Law Group PLLC at 360-419-0809 today and one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help.