Can You Have an Arrest Warrant and Not Know

Arrest warrants are often overlooked when people have legal issues.  The first step to handling an arrest warrant is to be informed. Nobody wants to be surprised with an arrest warrant when they least expect it. Texas arrest warrants can be confusing if you're not familiar with the process.  How do you find out if you have a warrant? In this article we will talk about what an arrest warrant is, what it means and how you can prepare before having to find out the hard way.

it's no secret that being arrested can be an incredibly stressful ordeal.  Even more so if you're caught by surprise at work, at home, or anywhere in public. Arrest warrants can be issued without your knowledge on a wide range of legal charges ranging from criminal offenses to missed court dates.

A recent study reveals that 20 percent of individuals arrested in the U.S. did not know they had anarrest warrant issued for them. Whether you're aware or not, if there's a warrant out for your arrest, you could be taken into custody anywhere on the streets, at a routine traffic stop, or your home.

The best way to avoid the stress and embarrassment of an unexpected arrest is to find out if there is a warrant out for your arrest. This can help you take steps to deal with the situation and reduce your anxiety. So, how do you go about it? There are several ways to conduct an arrest warrant search.

Below is an insight into what you need to know to complete an arrest warrant search.

WHAT IS AN ARREST WARRANT?

An arrest warrant is an official document issued to the police officers by a judge authorizing them to arrest the person named in the warrant.

Normally, an official warrant includes a description of  the alleged crime committed and the details of the individual to be arrested. Some warrants also specify instructions on how the arrest should be carried out as well as the bail the defendant should post to regain freedom.

HOW DOES A POLICE OFFICER OBTAIN AN ARREST WARRANT?

Typically, a police officer should have a warrant before making an arrest.  To obtain the warrant, they are required to submit a written affidavit to the magistrate. It is given under oath and should contain sufficient and factual information showing that the named person committed the crime.

What is an affidavit? An affidavit is a written statement stating facts that the person making the accusations swears to be true. It should also include a signature acknowledging that the "affiant" (person making the accusations) is open to prosecution in case any assertions aren't true.

Note that judges have certain standards when deciding to issue warrants. Sometimes, a judge can decline to issue a warrant on occasions where the affidavit does not provide enough information to match the description. Additionally, a judge can decline issuing a warrant if there are no witnesses.

HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT ONLINE

• Look up the Local Records Online

Searching online is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to find out if there is a warrant out for your arrest. You can look up the local records on your sheriff department's website. The majority of counties in the U.S. have their sites updated regularly, which makes it easier to get accurate information.

Unfortunately, smaller counties with understaffed sheriff's offices might not have a website and, if they do, their information might not be as up to date as other counties. Sometimes, lesser crimes such as domestic violence might not be included in the records.

• Have An Attorney Search For You

Experienced defense attorneys have the insight to quickly find search warrant information.  The will have access to their county's database and other databases that might not be available to the public. If you already have an attorney, all you need to do is ask them to inquire if there is a warrant for your arrest or access your county's database.

If you don't have an attorney and you suspect you may have a warrant, it's in your best interest to hire an experienced lawyer to help you. You can search for atop law firm in your area and discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer. Many criminal defense lawyers offer a free first consultation to discuss your case. In the long run you will get the information you are looking for and peace of mind.

• Look for Public Records Online

Besides checking for arrest warrants on local websites, you can look up public records on government sites such as Governmentregistry.org. or https://texaswarrantroundup.org/. These websites link various databases from almost every county in the state.

Note, the majority of these sites are privately owned and do not offer their services for free.  Be prepared to pay a fee to search these sites.

• Contact the Police Station of Federal Court in Your Area

As a last resort, you contact the local magistrate or the police directly.  However, you run the risk of being questioned.  The phone number for Montgomery County Texas Arrest Warrants is 1-800-392-7867 (STOP) If you're concerned about the circumstances, it's best to have a lawyer do this for you.  You run the risk of incriminating yourself, alerting the police to your whereabouts, or making your situation worse.

If you do contact them directly, you may be asked to provide your date of birth and your full name. The police or magistrate will scan their databases and provide you, or your representative, with the required information.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND OUT THERE IS A WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST?

Finding out you have an arrest warrant can be understandably stressful.  First, don't panic.  It's important to remain calm and keep your emotions under control.  Some people make the mistake of trying to flee if they find out the authorities are after them. However, running is not the best option. Calmness will always rule the day. If you run or hide, it will not only prevent you from living without restrictions but also provide proof that you are guilty of something.

Having an experienced defense attorney can be the best thing when discovering you have a warrant for your arrest.  They can review the situation with you and discuss your options.  They can also manage the process with the authorities to avoid making matters worse.  An experienced attorney can help you remain calm and begin working to help you navigate your situation

In rare cases, it's even possible that the arrest warrant was meant for someone else with the same name.  Either way, it's important to remain calm and get your attorney involved.

IS AN ARREST WARRANT SEARCH NECESSARY?

If you suspect you may have some legal entanglements, doing a search for an arrest warrant is definitely a good idea.  It is fundamental to avoid being caught off guard.  Whether you committed the crime or not, an arrest warrant search will help you plan ahead and begin preparing for your defense.  It will also allow your attorney to guide you on the process and potentially plan for the arrest and steps to secure bail money if needed

Do you suspect there is a warrant out for your arrest? Don't panic,contact us for a confidential call with a top criminal defense attorney who can find out what's going on and take steps to protect your rights.  Your freedom is our top priority.

**NOTE: This website is for informational purposes only. Any information on this site should not be taken as legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique and we strongly advise anyone in need of legal help to discuss your situation with a licensed attorney.

Can You Have an Arrest Warrant and Not Know

Source: https://www.nonstopjustice.com/blog/is-a-warrant-out-for-my-arrest

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