Will Police Call You if You Have a Warrant?
Having a warrant out for your arrest can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. You may be wondering whether the police will show up at your doorstep or contact you in any way to inform you of the warrant. In this article, we will explore the likelihood of police calling you if you have a warrant and what you can do to handle the situation.
Will Police Call You if You Have a Warrant?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on various factors, including the type of warrant, the jurisdiction, and the police department’s policies. Here are some scenarios to consider:
- Arrest Warrant: If you have an arrest warrant, it’s likely that the police will try to contact you to serve the warrant. They may call you, visit your home or workplace, or show up at your doorstep to take you into custody.
- Search Warrant: If you have a search warrant, the police may not necessarily contact you before executing the warrant. They may show up at your home or workplace to search for evidence without warning.
- Bench Warrant: If you have a bench warrant, it’s less likely that the police will contact you directly. Bench warrants are typically issued for failure to appear in court or pay a fine. The police may still show up at your doorstep or contact you if they have reason to believe you’re in the area, but they may not actively seek you out.
When Will Police Call You?
While there’s no guarantee that the police will call you if you have a warrant, there are certain situations where they may make contact:
- Probable Cause: If the police have probable cause to believe you’re in the area or have information about your whereabouts, they may call you to try to locate you.
- Investigation: If the police are investigating a crime and believe you may have information or evidence, they may contact you to ask questions or request your presence at the police station.
- Community Outreach: Some police departments may engage in community outreach programs, which may involve contacting individuals with warrants to try to resolve the issue peacefully.
What to Do if You Receive a Call from the Police
If you receive a call from the police, it’s essential to remain calm and cooperative. Here are some tips:
- Answer the Call: If you receive a call from the police, answer it and listen to what they have to say. Don’t hang up or ignore the call.
- Identify Yourself: If you’re asked to identify yourself, do so. Provide your name, address, and any other relevant information.
- Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about the nature of the call or the warrant, ask questions. What’s the warrant for? What do you need to do to resolve the issue?
- Cooperate: If the police are asking you to come down to the station or provide information, cooperate. Failure to comply can lead to further legal action.
What to Do if You Don’t Receive a Call from the Police
If you don’t receive a call from the police and you’re aware of a warrant, it’s crucial to take action to resolve the issue. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact Your Attorney: Reach out to your attorney or a legal aid organization for guidance on how to handle the situation.
- Contact the Court: Contact the court where the warrant was issued to find out the status of the warrant and what you need to do to resolve it.
- Turn Yourself In: If you’re aware of a warrant and are willing to cooperate, consider turning yourself in. This can help you avoid further legal action and minimize the consequences.
Consequences of Ignoring a Warrant
Ignoring a warrant can have serious consequences, including:
- Arrest: If you’re arrested, you may face additional charges and fines.
- Increased Bond: If you’re arrested, your bond may be increased, making it more difficult to be released from custody.
- Additional Charges: Ignoring a warrant can lead to additional charges, such as resisting arrest or obstruction of justice.
- Worsening of the Situation: Ignoring a warrant can lead to a worsening of the situation, making it more difficult to resolve the issue peacefully.
Conclusion
Having a warrant out for your arrest can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. While the police may not always contact you directly, it’s essential to take action to resolve the issue. If you’re aware of a warrant, contact your attorney, the court, or turn yourself in to avoid further legal action. Remember to stay calm and cooperative if you receive a call from the police, and don’t ignore the warrant. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the consequences and resolve the issue peacefully.
Table: Consequences of Ignoring a Warrant
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrest | You may face additional charges and fines |
| Increased Bond | Your bond may be increased, making it more difficult to be released from custody |
| Additional Charges | You may face additional charges, such as resisting arrest or obstruction of justice |
| Worsening of the Situation | Ignoring a warrant can lead to a worsening of the situation, making it more difficult to resolve the issue peacefully |
Bullets List: What to Do if You Have a Warrant
• Contact your attorney or a legal aid organization for guidance
• Contact the court where the warrant was issued to find out the status of the warrant
• Turn yourself in if you’re willing to cooperate
• Answer the call from the police and identify yourself
• Ask questions and cooperate with the police
• Don’t ignore the warrant and take proactive steps to resolve the issue
