If you have an active warrant out for your arrest, it is important to take the necessary steps to address the situation as soon as possible. You will want to make a good impression on authorities and try to mitigate any potential damages that the warrant might cause to your life or reputation.
This can be a difficult process, but luckily, we are here to help! In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to best deal with an active warrant. After reading, you should have a better understanding of what to do.
Clarify Warrant Type
The first step is to determine the type of warrant that has been issued. There are three main types of warrants:
- Bench warrants are typically issued when an individual fails to appear for a court hearing or violates the terms of their probation.
- Arrest warrants are usually issued when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime.
- Search warrants allow authorities to search an individual’s property for evidence related to a crime.
It is important to clarify the type of warrant before taking any further action, as this will help you understand what you are up against and what steps you need to take next. For example, if you have a bench warrant, you may be able to take care of the issue by simply paying a fine or appearing in court. However, if you have an arrest warrant, you will likely need to turn yourself in to authorities.
Also, does the warrant have a statute of limitations? In general, bench warrants and arrest warrants do not have statutes of limitations, which means they can be active indefinitely. However, some could be active for only 90 days. In either case, it’s a good idea to clear the air with the appropriate jurisdiction.
Turn Yourself In
If you have an active arrest warrant, it is generally in your best interest to turn yourself in to authorities. This may seem like a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you have rights and there are steps you can take to help protect yourself.
This will help you avoid being arrested in a public place or at your home, which can be embarrassing and stressful. When turning yourself in, be sure to do the following:
- Gather all relevant documentation related to the warrant and your case. This could include court documents, police reports, etc.
- Hire an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
- Turn yourself in at a time when you are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities will likely take a blood or urine sample upon arrival, so it is important to be sober.
- Be cooperative with authorities. This does not mean that you need to incriminate yourself, but it is important to follow their instructions and answer any questions truthfully.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Arrange for Bail
When you turn yourself in, the first thing that will happen is that you will be booked into custody. This involves taking your fingerprints and booking photos. It also means authorities will be entering basic information about you into their system. You will then be held in a cell until your bail hearing. This usually only takes a few hours but can take longer.
At your bail hearing, a judge will decide how much money you need to pay for bail. This amount is determined by the severity of the crime you are accused of, your criminal history, and whether you are considered a flight risk. If you are unable to post bail, you will remain in custody until your trial.
If you are able to post bail, there are a few more things to keep in mind. First, you will need to arrange for the full amount of bail with either cash or a bail bond company. Bail bonds usually cost about 10 percent of the total bail amount, which can be paid out immediately or over time with the appropriate collateral.
Second, once you post bail, you will be required to adhere to certain conditions set by the court. These could include things like staying within a certain geographic area, obeying a curfew, or refraining from contact with the victim or witnesses in your case.
What Comes Next?
Violating the above conditions could mean another warrant and additional bail. As such, it is important to make sure you understand the conditions of your release and take the necessary steps to show you’re taking the charges against you (and the court’s authority) seriously. Do you have an active warrant that you’re concerned about? Notify ABC Bail Bonds on the front end, so you can have the help necessary to get out of jail ready and waiting for you upon completion of the bail hearing. We have many years of experience helping individuals navigate the warrant process and can help you regain your freedom. Contact us today with any questions or to get the process started.
