Discovering there is a warrant out for your arrest can be anxiety-inducing and you may feel like it’s only a matter of time before you’re in handcuffs. As such, understanding your legal options can help you take control of the situation. The following blog explores what your legal options are in the event you have a warrant out for your arrest and why connecting with an OKC criminal defense lawyer is critical to protecting yourself.
What Are the Different Kinds of Arrest Warrants?
It’s important to understand that there are different kinds of warrants that may be issued. The most common is an arrest warrant, which is a document obtained by law enforcement after enough evidence has been gathered to lead officers and a prosecutor to believe that a crime has occurred. This allows law enforcement to arrest and charge you with a crime.
On the other hand, a bench warrant is issued to law enforcement because the court believes that someone has violated a court order or other rules. For example, a bench warrant can be issued for violating the terms of your parole or failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing for an ongoing criminal case.
What Should I Do If There’s a Warrant Issued For Me?
If you discover there is a warrant out for your arrest, understanding how to proceed is crucial to protecting yourself and preventing any additional legal troubles. Generally, the most important thing you should do is connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney, as they can help provide you with specific advice based on the circumstances of your case.
Typically, your attorney will advise you to cooperate with the investigation by turning yourself in. However, they can contact law enforcement on your behalf and schedule a date and time for you to turn yourself in. This can help you avoid the traumatic experience of being placed under arrest in your home or place of work.
In addition, your attorney can gather more information about the charges against you and the terms of your arrest. For example, they can inform you of the severity of the crime you have allegedly committed and if you are able to post bail.
Generally, the sooner you contact an attorney for these matters, the more control you will have over the situation. Additionally, cooperating with the police can help aid your case, as evading arrest will not reflect well on your behalf.
When you are accused of committing a serious crime, ensuring you have competent legal representation on your side is critical. At the Jones Law Firm, our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to guide you through these challenging times. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, do not hesitate to call us to speak with a member of our team for more information.
