Steps To Take if a Warrant Has Been Issued Against You
Discovering or suspecting a warrant has been issued against you can be overwhelming. Usually, a warrant gives law enforcement officers the power to either arrest you or search your property. If you are facing a warrant in Florida, taking the proper steps to protect your rights and minimize the warrant’s impact on your life is crucial. In this article, we discuss the various types of warrants and steps you should take if there’s one issued against you.
Types of Warrants
In Florida, there are three main types of warrants, namely:
- Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is issued by a judge when the police provide probable cause to believe a named person has committed a crime. This type of warrant gives officers the power to arrest and take you into custody at any time.
Under Florida Rule 3.121, arrest warrants must be in writing, describe the offense, specify the defendant’s identity, and set bail (if applicable). It’s also worth noting that Florida arrest warrants do not expire. They remain on your record and can appear in background checks.
- Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are used when one fails to comply with a court order, such as missing a court date.
- Search Warrants
Search warrants allow law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. For a search warrant to be issued, law enforcement officers have to furnish a judge with affidavits justifying the search, and a judge must approve it, ensuring probable cause exists for the search.
Steps To Take if You Have a Warrant of Arrest in Florida
Here are six crucial steps to take if you have a warrant of arrest in Florida:
- Retain an Attorney
Your first step should be consulting an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer can:
- Verify the warrant: Although most people get their arrest warrants without notice, your lawyer can help confirm it on public databases like the Florida Criminal Information Center Public Records Search or contact the local sheriff’s office.
- Arrange for a voluntary surrender.
- Work to reduce or dismiss charges leveled against you
- Prepare for Surrender
If surrendering is unavoidable, prepare by writing down contact information for close family or friends. Avoid bringing valuables to the police station, as this simplifies the process if you are detained.
- Turn Yourself In
It is best to voluntarily surrender yourself as this is usually safer and less stressful than being arrested unexpectedly and can also be viewed favorably by the court.
- Exercise Your Right To Remain Silent
Remember, you have the right to remain silent. As such, avoid making statements to law enforcement without your attorney present. Additionally, avoid discussing your case with inmates and exercise caution when on the jail cell phone because your conversation may be recorded.
- Appear in Court
For minor offenses, your lawyer might resolve the case without your presence. For felonies, you’ll likely need to appear in court, where a judge may release you on bond or personal recognizance. Your attorney can argue for a lower bail amount.
- Fight the Charges
The final step is to work with your attorney to build a defense against any underlying charges. A strong legal strategy can minimize the impact of the warrant and the charges on your life.
Contact Our Orlando Criminal Lawyer Today
If you suspect or know there’s a warrant out for your arrest, our skilled Orlando criminal lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, PA, can help protect your rights. Contact us at 844-GO-JOSHI or online to take the first step toward resolving your case.
Source:
supremecourt.flcourts.gov/content/download/329753/file/13-2066_102913_AppendixA_ada.pdf
