Arrest Warrants: What Are They And Do I Have One?

What Are Arrest Warrants And What To Do If you Have One?

Most people have no idea what arrest warrants are. Have you ever wondered if you a judge has issued an arrest warrant on you or a someone you know? 

What Are Arrest Warrants?

Judges sign a legal piece of paper called an arrest warrant. The arrest warrant gives law enforcement the right to arrest an individual whose name is on the warrant. The warrant states that the person who is named on the warrant may have committed a crime. It also states the date the crime occurred. The arrest warrant will state the exact crime and specify whether it is a felony or misdemeanor. 

Individuals who believe they have an outstanding warrants may want to do warrant walk-through with a bondsman. A bail bondsman can do warrant walk-through with the individual. As a result, the bail bondsman may be able to clear the warrant before the individual gets arrested. This could also give them a better chance of getting better bail terms. By making arrangements with a bondsman to do a warrant walk-through, they are showing they are not trying to run from the law.

Who Requests Arrest Warrants?

Typically, law enforcement requests arrest warrants. Law enforcement presents evidence to a judge. A judge then decides based on the statements and evidence that a probable cause exists. The judge will sign the warrant once prosecutors can establish probable cause.

What Happens Next?

Police will execute the warrant. Police will ask the suspect if he or she will provide a statement. This individual can invoke the right to remain silent and request an attorney.

Law enforcement will then take the suspect before a local judge the next business day for an arraignment. The judge will then set bail terms. The suspect is now considered a defendant.

The Magistrate Judge will then do one of the following:

• Let the defendant go on his or her own recognizance. This can happen if the crime is minor and the defendant does not have a prior record, is well-known in the community, is in good standing, and not at risk of running.
• Set bail at a precise amount, in which the defendant can either pay the whole amount or pay a percentage of the amount to a bail bondsman. If the defendant flees, the bondsman is responsible to the court for the entire bail amount. The option of a bondsman is popular for those who cannot afford to pay the whole bail amount up front.
• Deny bail, which the defendant can then request a formal bail hearing. The two main elements the court looks at when determining bail are (1) a danger to the community and (2) a flight risk. The defendant will want to provide witnesses at the hearing who can testify that he or she is peaceful, mild-mannered, and has plenty of connections to the community that fleeing will not occur.

How to Clear Up a Warrant

To get rid of a warrant, contact BailOption today to set up a warrant walk-through. This will clear the warrant and set a court date to determine the case in court.