A question that we often get from potential clients is “can you clear up a warrant for arrest?” We always must explain that the answer to that question depends on what the person means by “clear up”. There are ways to handle a warrant for arrest, but people often do not like what must be done. In this blog, we will discuss what to do about a warrant for arrest. Like all our blogs, this is intended for informational purposes only, and not intended as a substitute for the advice and counsel of a criminal defense attorney.
Factors to consider with a warrant for arrest
There is limited information available
People with a warrant for arrest against them typically want to know all the details of what they are being accused of. This is understandable but unfortunately there is often a limited amount of information available.
Often, the only information available on a public index is what the warrant is for and when it was issued. You can also decipher whether the warrant was for an administrative matter like failure to appear in court, or whether it is an allegation of a new crime.
Additionally, law enforcement officers are very hesitant to give you or your lawyer any more information than they absolutely must to serve that warrant. They will not share too many specifics of what has been alleged, and who else is involved.
Chances are, you are going to have to turn yourself in
Your attorney does not have the ability to make a warrant for arrest disappear. When clients inquire about hiring us for a warrant for arrest, they often want us to handle them without them having to appear or do anything. That is simply not how it works most times. There are certain instances when there is an outstanding criminal summons, and your attorney can simply accept service on your behalf, but that cannot be done with a warrant. Other than the exceedingly rare instances of a warrant being recalled, the most common way to “clear up a warrant for arrest”, is to turn yourself in.
Once you turn yourself in (either by yourself or with your lawyer) you will be processed, go through the bond process, and receive a court date. On that court date is when your lawyer can do the best for you.
Do not forget to keep your mouth shut
The last thing you want to do is clear things up with a law enforcement officer. When turning yourself in, or otherwise speaking to the police about your case leads to you assisting them in gathering evidence against you through your admissions.
If you contact a lawyer about a warrant for arrest, he or she will take you through the process of turning yourself in, getting you a court date, and defending you in court. That lawyer will also remind you not to speak about your case to anyone. When speaking to your lawyer you are protected by privilege, but you are not protected when speaking to anyone else.