An arrest warrant is issued by a judge which authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual or the search and seizure of an individual’s property. Arrest warrants serve the purpose of protecting people from unlawful arrests under the Fourth Amendment. It gives notice to the person being arrested about the charges pressed against them.
Some of the most common reasons why an arrest warrant may be issued may be:
- Failing to pay a traffic ticket
- Missing a court date
- Violating the terms of a probation order or bail bond agreement
- Falling behind on court-ordered spousal or child support payments
Having a warrant out for your arrest is a serious problem because it means that you could be taken into custody at any moment – a routine traffic stop, your workplace, or even your own home. If you need to know if you have a warrant for your arrest and have access to the internet, it can be very easy to find out if you do have a warrant and for what reason. You can search government websites or check public records to determine if you have been issued an arrest warrant. You will also be able to learn all of the details, including when the warrant was issued, date of offense and case type. If you learn that an arrest warrant has been issued, you will want to take immediate action! It may be best to seek advice from an attorney or turn yourself in to the courthouse clerk to avoid any future penalties.
One of the worst things you can do when you do have a warrant out for your arrest is to ignore the warrant. Here are some reasons why ignoring an arrest warrant may not be in your best interest:
- If you wait for law enforcement to catch you, the time and place may be very inconvenient and could be embarrassing
- If arrested after hours, you may spend more time in jail that you would otherwise
- If you make the police track you down, bond terms may be far less favorable than if you make arrangements to surrender yourself or schedule a court date
As mentioned, one of the best ways to resolve an arrest warrant may be to retain an attorney so that you can give yourself the benefit of a knowledgeable advocate right from the start. Also, by hiring an attorney, they may be able to help in getting the amount of the bond reduced – making it easier for you or for your family to keep you out of jail.
If you have a warrant for your arrest for whatever reason, it’s best to deal with it right away because ignoring the consequences will only bring more headache. We at Mercy Bail Bonds understand that this is a trying time in your life and we’re here to assist you the best way we know how – providing excellent service and information when you need it. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact our office at (727)856-7775. We will take the time to walk you through every step of this process and answer any questions you might have.