An arrest warrant may be outstanding because the individual isn’t aware of the warrant of the individual is evading law enforcement. An outstanding warrant has serious consequences, such as affecting your ability to obtain or renew a driver’s license. A person with an outstanding warrant can be arrested at any time—at a social event, at work, running errands, etc. An outstanding warrant is not something you should try to deal with on your own.
Immediately Contact an Attorney.
A criminal defense attorney will negotiate a resolution with the court on your behalf. An attorney may be able to assist with the following five important actions:
1) Contact the Court that Issued the Warrant.
Your attorney will contact the court that issued the warrant and confirm that it is current and valid. If it is, your attorney will discuss your options with you, such as arranging to appear for an arraignment rather than being arrested.
2) Arrange for You to Turn Yourself In.
A court may require that you turn yourself over to law enforcement. Your attorney will negotiate the time and place of your surrender to the police. Once you are in custody, a hearing will be set. The judge may decide that you will be released (with or without bail), required to pay a fine or kept in custody.
3) Prepare you for your arrest.
Depending on the warrant, you may need to be arrested before a judge can hear your case. Your attorney will discuss the process of being arrested with you, such as whether fingerprinting is necessary. Refuse to speak to anyone without your attorney present.
4) Arrange for a bail bondsman.
Before your arrest your attorney can help you find out the amount of any outstanding bond. He or she may recommend that you contact a bail bondsman or can schedule a bail bondsman to attend during your hearing.
5) Defend you in court.
A bench warrant can typically only be resolved by appearing in court. An attorney can help you prepare your defense, if applicable. For example, your attorney will investigate the possibility that your failure was the result of the court’s error, such as failing to send the correct date of your hearing.
We at Dearmore Law are experienced criminal law attorneys. We have extensive experience in assisting clients with outstanding warrants in Northwest Arkansas as well as the rest of our state. Call our office today at (479) 255-2567 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
