What Should I Do if There Is a Warrant Out for My Arrest?
Discovering there is a warrant for your arrest can be frightening. If you just found out there is a warrant out for your arrest, you are most likely feeling very stressed. You probably don’t know what you should do. In this article, we share some important steps to take if there is a warrant for your arrest.
Where Do Arrest Warrants Get Issued?
Before going into the steps you should take if you find out you have a warrant issued for your arrest, it is vital to discuss why arrest warrants get issued. First, an arrest warrant can be issued after a judge finds probable cause that a person committed a crime. Second, an arrest warrant can be issued after a criminal defendant fails to appear in court or if they violate a court order. This type of arrest warrant is called a bench warrant and is issued from the “bench,” which is the seat where the judge sits in court. The final source for an arrest warrant is when a convicted person violates the terms of their sentence.
Steps To Take if There is a Warrant Out for Your Arrest
The following are some important steps to take if there is a warrant out for your arrest:
#1: Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
The first thing you should do after finding out there is a warrant out for your arrest is to contact a criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help determine where the warrant originated from. They can advise you on what to do. A skilled attorney will discuss your options with you. Contacting a qualified criminal defense lawyer is the first step to protecting your rights.
#2: Determining Bail
As part of a consultation, the attorney will try to identify what, if any, bail has been set. This information can be found on the county jail’s website or the Court’s webside, mycase.in.gov. If bail has been set and you can pay the bail amount, you should find out where you need to go to post bail. You can find this information out through the county jail or county clerk. If you don’t have the funds necessary to post the entire bail, you may need to talk to a bail bondsperson. To find out where you need to go to post bond, you need to contact the county jail or clerk. However, it is advisable that you contact an attorney before contacting the county jail or clerk.
#3: Modify Bail
Depending on the specifics of your case, it may or may not be advisable to ask for a bail modification. If it is an appropriate request in your situation, your lawyer can request the court to change the bond type or lower the bail amount.
#4: Turn Yourself In
If you cannot post bail or are awaiting a bond review, it may be best to turn yourself in rather than wait for the police to find and arrest you. If you do not turn yourself in, the police may arrest you at home or work. However, before surrendering yourself to the police, you should speak to an attorney.
Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer.
If there is a warrant out for your arrest, contact our qualified Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers at Rigney Law LLC for legal help.
