Will Cops Come to Your House for a Misdemeanor Warrant?
As a citizen, it’s natural to wonder what will happen if you receive a misdemeanor warrant. Will the police come to your house to arrest you? What are the consequences of not showing up for a court date? In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive answer to your question and explore the details of misdemeanor warrants.
What is a Misdemeanor Warrant?
A misdemeanor warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to arrest and take you into custody for a non-felony crime. Misdemeanors are considered less serious crimes than felonies, but they still carry consequences, including fines, community service, and even jail time.
Types of Misdemeanor Warrants
There are several types of misdemeanor warrants, including:
- Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when you fail to appear in court for a scheduled hearing or trial.
- Arrest Warrant: Issued by a judge when you’re charged with a crime and there’s reason to believe you’re hiding or evading arrest.
- Warrant for Failure to Appear: Issued when you fail to appear in court for a scheduled hearing or trial.
- Warrant for Failure to Pay Fines: Issued when you fail to pay fines or court costs as ordered by the court.
Will Cops Come to Your House for a Misdemeanor Warrant?
YES, law enforcement can come to your house to arrest you if you have a misdemeanor warrant. However, it’s not a guarantee that they will. Here are some factors that influence whether cops will come to your house:
- Type of warrant: Bench warrants are more likely to be executed at your home, while arrest warrants may be executed at any location where the police can find you.
- Severity of the crime: More serious crimes may warrant a more extensive search, including a visit to your home.
- Prior interactions with law enforcement: If you have a history of evading or resisting arrest, law enforcement may be more likely to execute a warrant at your home.
- Available resources: Law enforcement may prioritize warrants based on available resources and manpower.
What Happens When Cops Come to Your House for a Misdemeanor Warrant?
If law enforcement comes to your house to execute a misdemeanor warrant, here’s what you can expect:
- They will announce their presence: Police officers are required to announce their presence and identify themselves before entering your home.
- They will ask you to come out: Officers may ask you to come out of your home and surrender peacefully.
- They may use force if necessary: If you resist or attempt to flee, officers may use force to apprehend you.
- You may be taken into custody: If you’re arrested, you’ll be taken to a police station or jail and booked.
Consequences of Not Showing Up for a Court Date
If you receive a misdemeanor warrant and fail to appear in court, you can face serious consequences, including:
- New charges: You may face additional charges for failing to appear in court.
- Increased bail: Bail may be increased, making it more difficult to get out of jail.
- Warrant for arrest: A warrant for arrest may be issued, authorizing law enforcement to take you into custody at any time.
- Contempt of court: You may be held in contempt of court, which can result in additional fines and even jail time.
What to Do if You Have a Misdemeanor Warrant
If you have a misdemeanor warrant, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact the court: Reach out to the court that issued the warrant and explain your situation. They may be able to reschedule your court date or provide additional information.
- Turn yourself in: If you’re aware of the warrant, consider turning yourself in to the police station or jail. This can help you avoid arrest and minimize consequences.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney to understand your options and potential consequences.
- Address underlying issues: If the warrant is related to an unpaid fine or failure to appear, address the underlying issue to avoid further consequences.
Conclusion
A misdemeanor warrant can have serious consequences, including arrest and fines. While law enforcement may come to your house to execute a warrant, it’s not a guarantee. By understanding the types of warrants, consequences of not showing up for a court date, and steps you can take to address a warrant, you can minimize the impact on your life. Remember to seek legal advice and address underlying issues to avoid further consequences.
