What to Do If You Have a Warrant of Arrest

Warrant of Arrest

If there is a warrant for your arrest, it is possible that you may be arrested if you travel within the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued. Additionally, if there is an extradition treaty between the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued and the jurisdiction you are traveling to, law enforcement in the latter jurisdiction may arrest you in order to return you to the former jurisdiction. It is best to consult with a criminal defence lawyer before making any travel plans if there is a warrant for your arrest.

How Can a Criminal Defence Lawyer Help?

A criminal defense lawyer such as Cory Wilson can help you in several ways if you have a warrant for your arrest. Some of these include:

Negotiating a surrender

A criminal defence lawyer can contact the prosecutor or the court to negotiate the terms of your surrender. This may include arranging a specific date and time for you to turn yourself in and discussing any concerns you may have about the arrest process.

By arranging a surrender, you may be able to avoid the stress and embarrassment of being arrested in public or at your home or place of work. Additionally, negotiating a surrender can be beneficial in showing the court that you are taking responsibility for your actions and are willing to cooperate with the legal process.

Posting bail

A criminal defence lawyer can help you post bail, which is a sum of money paid to the court as a guarantee that you will return for your court appearances. If bail is granted, you will be released from custody while you await trial. Depending on the jurisdiction, bail can be posted in the form of cash, a bond, or by using a bail bondsman.

Your lawyer can help you understand the bail process, the amount of bail set in your case, and the different options available to post bail. If you cannot afford the bail, your lawyer can help you apply for a bail bond or a bail reduction hearing. They can also help to explain the conditions of your release and the possible consequences if you fail to comply with them.

Challenging the warrant

A criminal defence lawyer can review the warrant to ensure that it was issued legally and that there are no constitutional violations. A warrant must be based on probable cause and supported by an oath or affirmation. If a warrant was issued without probable cause or an oath or affirmation, it is considered to be a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the lawyer finds any issues with the warrant, they can file a motion to have it quashed, which means to have it declared invalid and unenforceable.

Plea bargaining

A criminal defence lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to reach a plea agreement. Plea bargaining is a process where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or a specific count in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges. This can be a way to avoid the risk and expense of a trial, and it can also be a way to resolve the case more quickly.

Finally, It is important to note that a criminal defence lawyer can be very helpful in navigating the legal system if you have a warrant for your arrest, but it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.