Warrants: What You Should Know

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Discovering that there is a warrant out for your arrest is an unsettling experience. Whether you learned about it from a family member, a background check, or a law enforcement contact, the worst thing you can do is ignore it — or panic and make it worse. The right move is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and address the warrant on your terms, not law enforcement's.

An outstanding warrant does not go away on its own. The longer it sits unresolved, the greater the risk of being arrested at the worst possible moment — at work, during a traffic stop, or in front of your family. We can help you resolve it quietly and strategically.

Arrest Warrants

A traditional arrest warrant is issued by a judge upon a showing of probable cause — typically based on a sworn declaration from a law enforcement officer — that a specific person has committed a crime. Once issued, the warrant authorizes law enforcement to take you into custody at any time, in any location. Arrest warrants do not expire.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge, most commonly when a defendant fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, violates the terms of probation, or fails to comply with a court order such as paying a fine or completing a program. Bench warrants are extremely common and can arise from matters as minor as an unpaid traffic ticket that was allowed to escalate. Like arrest warrants, they remain active indefinitely until addressed.

Search Warrants

While not an arrest warrant, a search warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence of a crime. The execution of a search warrant often precedes an arrest — and if officers find what they are looking for, an arrest warrant or on-site arrest may quickly follow. If your home or business has been searched, contact an attorney before saying anything to law enforcement.

 Once a warrant is in the system, it can surface at any time and in any context:

• A routine traffic stop can result in immediate arrest and booking

• Background checks for employment, housing, or professional licensing will reveal the warrant

• Travel — including through airports — carries the risk of detention

• Any contact with law enforcement, even as a witness or victim, may result in arrest

• Warrants can be shared across county and state lines through national law enforcement databases

There is no safe moment to have an outstanding warrant. And because warrants carry no statute of limitations, they will not simply disappear with time.

The way you handle an outstanding warrant can significantly affect what happens next. Follow these steps:

• Do not turn yourself in without first speaking to an attorney — how and where you surrender matters

• Do not discuss the underlying allegations with anyone, including family and friends

• Do not attempt to contact law enforcement on your own to "explain" the situation

• Gather any paperwork or documents you have related to the underlying case or charge

• Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible

In many cases, we can arrange for a voluntary surrender at a time and place that minimizes disruption to your life — and appear with you in court to address bail immediately. Showing up with an attorney sends a very different message than being dragged in by officers.

Handling a warrant is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our approach depends on the type of warrant, the underlying charge, and the court involved. In general, we:

• Research the warrant to confirm its status, the issuing court, and the underlying charge

• Contact the court and, where appropriate, the prosecuting agency to understand what is expected

• Negotiate the terms of surrender and, in appropriate cases, arrange for a citation release or own-recognizance release rather than custody

• Appear with you in court to address the warrant, argue for reasonable bail, and begin building your defense from day one

• For bench warrants arising from missed court dates or probation violations, petition the court to recall and quash the warrant.