Your Essential Guide to Understanding Arrest Warrants

arrest warrant guide

Being charged with a criminal offense is stressful and potentially life-changing. It can significantly have an impact on your liberty, family, employment, and immigration status. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, the best thing to do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The right criminal lawyer, like Cory Wilson, will offer you unparalleled defense and help you navigate the legal system efficiently and affordably.

An arrest warrant has the following information:

  • Name of the accused.
  • Offense accused of.
  • Authorization to arrest.

The judge has to review and sign off on an arrest warrant. The police will arrest you at any time or place, causing unnecessary embarrassment and significant inconvenience. To get an arrest warrant executed, you need to find out if you have an arrest warrant by inquiring in person at the local police station or courthouse. You can also send your lawyer to confirm with the authorities. Find out if there is a warrant out for your arrest through:

  • Police inquiry.

Contact the police and ask them if an arrest warrant has been issued. To get this information, you will need to appear in person at the police station with a photo identification. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you will be arrested immediately. Avoid going to the police station with your cell phone. This is because it can be seized and used to search for incriminating evidence, even if they do not have a warrant. 

  • A court clerk   

Visit the local courthouse and ask the court clerk if there is a warrant for your arrest. The courthouse might charge you a fee for this service. The clerk will contact the sheriff to arrest you if there is an arrest warrant. 

Hire an attorney

It is the safest way to know if you have an arrest warrant. The attorney will contact the prosecutor’s office and find out on your behalf without putting you at risk. They will organize the time and place for your arrest if there is a warrant. They will also help to negotiate your release. Having a lawyer makes it possible to work on the bail plan before the warrant is executed.

Executing a warrant

A warrant is executed once you turn yourself in or if the police find and arrest you. Do not turn yourself in on Friday or late at night, or you might risk spending the night or weekend in jail. Once released, you will get a court date and a list of your charges. You can also choose to appear in court and ask the judge to bring the warrant to the courtroom.  The judge is willing to do this if the warrant was wrongly issued or your lawyer failed to appear in court on your behalf.

Dealing with an arrest warrant and the legal process can be overwhelming. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is the right call. They will help you to understand your rights, negotiate bail plans, and develop a solid defense strategy. You will get a more favorable outcome if you work with an attorney who faces challenging cases with confidence. Safeguard your future and deal with your arrest warrants before the situation escalates.