What to Do If There Is a Warrant for Your Arrest in Southern California

Finding out that there’s a warrant for your arrest in Southern California can be an incredibly stressful experience. A warrant signifies that law enforcement is actively looking for you to either take you into custody or require your appearance before a court of law. The moment you learn about this, it’s essential to take steps that will protect your rights and minimize the potential damage. Here’s a breakdown of what a warrant entails, what you can expect to happen next, and why contacting an excellent criminal defense attorney is your best course of action.

What is a Warrant for Arrest?

A warrant for arrest is issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to arrest and detain a specific individual. In Southern California, warrants are typically issued in cases where a crime has been committed, or when someone fails to appear in court as required. There are two primary types of warrants:

• Bench Warrants: These are typically issued when someone fails to show up for a court date, doesn’t pay fines, or fails to comply with court orders.
• Arrest Warrants: These are issued when there is probable cause to believe that someone has committed a crime, and law enforcement wants to bring that individual into custody.

Regardless of the type of warrant, it's important to address the situation immediately, because ignoring it never ends well.

What Happens After a Warrant is Issued?

Once a warrant is issued, several things can happen:

Police Action: Law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest you at any time, whether at home, at work, or in public. In serious cases, they may actively seek you out, but in many instances, they may wait for an encounter, such as a routine traffic stop, to make the arrest.

Increased Charges or Fines: Ignoring a warrant can lead to increased penalties, including fines or additional charges. For example, if a bench warrant was issued because you missed a court date, the court might interpret this as contempt, leading to more significant consequences.

Detainment: If you are arrested on a warrant, you will likely be taken to a local jail, where you may be held until your court appearance or until you can post bail. Depending on the nature of the warrant and the charges, bail might be set, allowing you to be released from custody while awaiting your hearing.

Potential for a Speedy Resolution: In some cases, a warrant may be resolved more quickly if the individual voluntarily surrenders and cooperates with the legal process.

What to Do When A Warrant is Issued?

If you find out there is a warrant for your arrest, follow these essential steps:

Remain Calm and Avoid Incriminating Actions

It’s easy to panic when you learn about an arrest warrant, but it’s crucial to stay calm. Avoid making any statements or taking actions that could worsen your situation. Do not attempt to resolve the matter by directly speaking with the police without legal representation, as anything you say can be used against you.

Contact an Excellent Criminal Defense Attorney

One of the most important steps is to contact an excellent criminal defense attorney immediately. A knowledgeable warrant lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and take the necessary steps to address the warrant.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can provide priceless legal advice, confirm the warrant is active, and gather as much information about the warrant as possible to help clients determine the next steps. Professional private attorneys will protect your rights, prevent self-incrimination, and ensure law enforcement follows protocol.

The most experienced private defense lawyers are experts at negotiating terms in a warrant situation. A court appearance instead of an embarrassing public arrest is preferable, as is negotiating alternatives to jail time, including bail and a reduction of charges. Your defense lawyer can connect you with a reliable bond company when bail assistance is needed.

If your attorney recommends surrendering, doing so voluntarily can demonstrate cooperation with the legal system and may result in a more favorable outcome. Your lawyer can help arrange the surrender, ensuring that it is handled in a way that minimizes complications.