Knowing you have a warrant out for your arrest can be a scary situation. Although it’s clearly an uncomfortable conundrum, ignoring your arrest warrant won’t make it magically disappear. Here’s are some things you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to arrest warrants.
What’s the Difference Between an Arrest Warrant and Bench Warrant?
The two most common types of warrants are a bench warrant and an arrest warrant. While both lead to an arrest, they are very different.
Bench Warrant
A bench warrant is issued when an individual fails to comply with a court order. Here are some examples of a bench warrant:
- Failing to appear at a scheduled court hearing.
- Failing to pay court-ordered child support.
- Probation violations.
- Failing to pay a traffic ticket.
- Failing to testify in a case in which you were subpoenaed.
Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant is a written order issued and signed by a judge or grand jury which authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual based on probable cause that they were involved in illegal activity. Illegal activity may include arrest warrants for the following crimes:
Do Arrest Warrants Expire?
The short answer and only answer is no. Arrest warrants do not expire and ignoring one won’t make it go away. Despite popular belief, arrest warrants do not have statutes of limitations. When an arrest warrant is issued, it remains in effect no matter how long ago it had been written.
How to Find Out if There is a Warrant Out for Your Arrest
It’s crucial that you do not ignore an arrest warrant. Give yourself peace of mind and contact a bail bondsman as soon as possible to confirm that there is an arrest warrant in your name. If it is confirmed that there is a warrant out for your arrest, you have three options:
- Pay the full amount of the bond in cash
- Enlist the help of a bail bondsman to post bail on your behalf
- Turn yourself in at the local jail
Keep in mind, turning yourself in without the assistance of a bail bondsman can prolong the time you may be released from jail. A bail bondsman can speed up the process.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Arrest Warrants
To sum it up, here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to arresting warrants:
- Do Call a bail bondsman.
- Don’t wait for the police to track you down.
- Do turn yourself in with the assistance of a bail bondsman.
- Don’t attempt to fly or travel as airport security may learn about your warrant and assume you are trying to flee.
How a Bail Bondsman Can Help
Having a bail bondsman on your side can help relieve your fears and stress to an already complicated situation. An experienced bail bondsman, not only knows how the courts and bail process works, but they can also help speed up the process to get you out of jail sooner than later. Here’s what a bail bondsman can do on your behalf:
- Check with local law enforcement agencies to find out the bond amount
- Complete all paperwork necessary to get the bail process started
- Accompany you to the law enforcement center in which you are to report to complete the process.
Your bond will be available as soon as you go through the booking process and your release can begin almost immediately getting you back home sooner than later.
Choosing the right bail bondsman can make all the difference when it comes to arrest warrants and bail. Not only will your bail bondman remove the complications of trying to handle a warrant on your own, but you’ll also be able to affordably get out of jail quickly.
If you are unsure if there is a warrant out for your arrest or any other arrest matters, contact Andy Callif Bail Bonds at (614) 945-4334 for a warrant check today.