If you think you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest, then you need to act fast. If you do not, you will most likely find yourself in jail. Unfortunately, the warrant will not go away simply because you want it to. You could find yourself being arrested at work, home, or during a routine traffic stop, as well as in front of your children or parents. This is the last thing you want to happen. To prevent this from occurring, here are three things you need to do now.
Determine the Reason Behind the Warrant
If you think there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, then there is a good chance you know why. However, if you do not know, then finding out should be a top priority. One way of checking is by entering your personal information into the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Public Access System (PAS). If you see your name listed, you might want to continue with the next two steps before calling local law enforcement to turn yourself in.
In Florida, there are two types of warrants that can result in your arrest. These include a bench warrant and an arrest warrant. They both can put you in jail, but how they are issued are different.
Bench Warrant: A judge can issue a bench warrant when you fail to show up for court for a scheduled appearance. A bench warrant can be issued if you are a defendant or if you failed to respond to a summons in a case where you are a witness.
Bench warrants are fairly common, and as soon as they are issues, law enforcement handles them like any other kind of warrant. Although law enforcement may not try to find you to serve a bench warrant, they will arrest you if they interact with you in another way. When you are arrested, you will most likely be charged with failure to show up, as well as with any other outstanding charges.
Arrest Warrant: A judge issues an arrest warrant when it is requested by law enforcement. An arrest warrant is usually issued due to a criminal investigation and law enforcements shows the judge they have probable cause to arrest you. After the arrest warrant is signed, law enforcement has the right to arrest you wherever you are.
Hire a Criminal Attorney
It is crucial that you hire a criminal attorney before you turn yourself in. There is a chance you could be detained when you make an appearance in front of the court. Your criminal attorney will have the chance to look at any facts you know about the outstanding warrant and make a convincing argument that could result in your immediate release.
If your attorney’s argument turns out to be successful, there is a chance the judge might recall the warrant and let you go on your promise to appear at the next scheduled hearing. This is called being released on one’s own recognizance.
Contact a Local Bail Bonds Company
Another vital step to take before turning yourself in is to contact a local bail bonds company. A bail bondsman will be ready to provide any bail bond you need because of your outstanding charges.
When you contact the bail bonds company prior to turning yourself in, you have the chance to fill out the required paperwork and look over the terms and conditions. This decreases the amount of jail time you might face after being arrested.
Mercy Bail Bonds is ready to work with you if you think you have an outstanding warrant. We want to help prepare you for what’s to come after you turn yourself in. Mercy Bail Bonds can also complete a warrant check and verify any information you suspect. Call us anytime at (727) 856-7775 to schedule an appointment. We are here for you 24/7!