How to Know if You Have a Warrant for Arrest
Having a warrant for your arrest can be a daunting and stressful situation. Warrants are legally binding orders issued by the court for the arrest and detention of an individual or individuals, typically due to the commission of a criminal offense. In this article, we will guide you on how to know if you have a warrant for arrest, what to do if you have one, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Do I Need to Check the Court Database?
YES! Before we dive deeper, it’s essential to emphasize that checking the court database is the most comprehensive way to determine if there’s a warrant for your arrest. Here’s what you need to do:
Check Your Local County Court Website: Look up your local county court’s website and click on the "Warrants" or "Arrest Warrants" section. Some websites may require a username and password, or you might need to attend the courthouse in person.
- Search Federal Courts Database: If your warrant is issued by federal authorities, you can use the FBI’s Wanted persons database.
What Could Cause a Warrant?
Common reasons for an arrest warrant include:
| Offenses | Description |
|---|---|
| DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated) | Failing a sobriety test |
| Violation of probation or parole | Failing to report to a PO or follow the terms of your supervision |
| Fail to Appear (FTA) in court | Failure to appear for a court date, usually for unpaid fines, traffic violations, or a pending criminal trial |
| Outstanding traffic ticket or other citations | Neglecting to pay fees or contest traffic tickets in a timely manner |
| Failing to comply with court-ordered conditions | Refusal to abide by the court’s orders related to community service, bail, or other conditions set forth |
| Felonies, misdemeanors | Committing a crime as described above |
I Found Out I Have a Warrant – What to Do
Stay Calm and Call Your Attorney: If you find out you have an arrest warrant, it is crucial to remain calm and reach out to your criminal defense lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process, help you appear before a judge, and advocate on your behalf. Do not attempt to face the consequences alone.
Here’s what your attorney might recommend:
Explain the situation and any underlying circumstances: Tell your lawyer about the specific reasons leading to the warrant.
- Secure your compliance: Your lawyer will assist you in locating a specific court date to resolve the issue.
Potential Consequences of Failing to Comply with a Warrant
* Comply with your original sentence or terms (probation, parole)
* Return to court (FTA or failing to answer charges)
* Pay fine, bail, or child support payments
* Obey any court-issued restraining order or protective injuction
* Attend pretrial court hearings or stand trial for a pending charges
Failure to comply might result in **extradition from another state if you moved** or *injuring your driver’s license or professional accreditation * for failure to take care of the warrant.
**Best Practices to Reduce the Chances of Accruing a Warrant**
Remember:
* Never ignore official correspondence, notifications, or court summons, even if you’re stressed, distracted, or trying to clear up a simpler issue
* Prioritize staying connected with your parole officer and attending scheduled court appearances if you’re a registered felon
* In cases involving unpaid fines, tickets, or fees – resolve outstanding balances promptly rather than hoping the issue self-resolve
* Refrain from fleeing or disintegrating, as fugitives in hiding can aggravate existing circumstances and land yourself deeper in trouble when arrested.
