What to Do When There’s a Warrant for Your Arrest

Finding out that there is a warrant for your arrest can be distressing. You may feel like you have nowhere to turn and that there is no way out. But when you work with Elmen Legal, I will guide you through the criminal legal process and help you decide what steps to take next while protecting your rights and minimizing the consequences.

What Is an Arrest Warrant and How Is It Issued?

An arrest warrant is a court-issued document that authorizes the police to place a person under arrest and bring them to court. An arrest warrant is issued by a judge after being presented with information from the police about why a suspect should be arrested. Before the arrest warrant is issued, the police must provide the court with a sworn statement that establishes probable cause to believe that the person named in the arrest warrant committed a crime. The police officer’s sworn statement must be supported by additional evidence.

What Types of Arrest Warrants Can Be Issued?

Michigan courts issue two types of warrants.

• A bench warrant is issued when a criminal defendant fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, violates probation, or fails to pay court costs or fines. Once the judge issues a bench warrant, the police are authorized to arrest you and bring you to court.
• An arrest warrant is issued when a person is suspected of committing a crime. When an arrest warrant is issued, the police will actively look for you to place you under arrest.

A warrant for arrest is different from a search warrant. A search warrant authorizes the police to conduct a search for evidence that you committed a crime, while a warrant for arrest allows the police to enter your home or work and place you under arrest. Additionally, a warrant for arrest is valid in all other states. If a Michigan court issued a warrant for your arrest and you are later pulled over in a California traffic stop, the California police can arrest you.

How to Handle a Warrant for Your Arrest

Once a warrant has been issued, it will not expire. Many people who are arrested are surprised to learn that they were arrested on a warrant that was issued years ago.

If you think a court might have issued a warrant for your arrest, do not ignore it. It is better to voluntarily appear in court with your lawyer than to be brought into court in handcuffs. In some cases, if you appear in court voluntarily, the court will cancel the warrant and issue a personal bond. This means you do not need to pay money before being released. Instead, the court will accept your promise to appear at future court dates.

If you think a warrant was issued for your arrest, you can contact the Michigan State Police or the local law enforcement agency where you believe the warrant was issued. A better option is to check Michigan’s online court database.

If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you should take action as soon as possible. Contact Elmen Legal to discuss your situation and make arrangements to clear the warrant.

How a Lawyer Can Help When There Is a Warrant for Your Arrest

When you work with Elmen Legal, I will first learn more about your situation to understand why the warrant was issued. I will appear with you in court to protect your rights. Working with a lawyer also reduces the likelihood that you will need to spend time in jail waiting until your case is called.

In some cases, I might be able to have the warrant cleared before you are arrested. For example, if a warrant was issued because you failed to pay court fines, you might be able to pay the fines and have the warrant cleared. In more serious cases, you might be required to appear in court for a bond hearing before having the arrest warrant canceled.

I can also talk to the police to make arrangements for you to turn yourself in and avoid having the police show up at your home or work to place you under arrest.

Facing a Warrant for Your Arrest? Contact Elmen Legal Today.

When you learn that there is a warrant for your arrest, the first thing you should do is contact a criminal defense attorney. Elmen Legal will analyze your situation, provide advice, and protect your rights. I will arrange to be present when you are arrested or turn yourself in. I will also ensure you do not make statements that could be used to incriminate you and will work with the police and the prosecutor to minimize the impact of an arrest and the likelihood that you will be charged with a crime. My goal is to help you avoid jail time and achieve a successful resolution to your case.

Elmen Legal is based in Ann Arbor and proudly serves people throughout Michigan, including Saline, Pittsfield Township, Chelsea, and Ypsilanti, as well as Washtenaw, Wayne, Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Ingham, Livingston, and Oakland Counties.

Learn more about Attorney Robert Elmen, then call (734) 707-8915 or contact Elmen Legal online today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how he can help.