An arrest warrant can threaten to alter your life and future. Therefore, if you know there is an active arrest warrant under your name, do not ignore it. Take action as soon as possible and consult with a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can provide much-needed guidance and help you through the process.
What Is an Arrest Warrant?
An arrest warrant is a judge’s order granting law enforcement the ability to arrest an individual when there is suspicion or knowledge that a person has committed a crime. When there is an active arrest warrant, law enforcement can actively search for the individual and, if found, arrest them.
Under Wisconsin law, there are only certain instances where a law enforcement officer can legally arrest someone, and an arrest warrant is one of them.
Arrest warrants often get confused with bench warrants. A bench warrant is issued when a defendant fails to appear in court or to meet certain court-ordered requirements. With a bench warrant, officers are not necessarily looking for the defendant, but if the defendant does come in contact with officers, they have the authority to arrest them.
Arrest warrants are serious and should be treated as such. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, ignoring it is never the answer. Instead, be proactive to take care of it responsibly.
What to Do if You Have an Active Arrest Warrant
You may find out there is an active warrant for your arrest, either through an internet case search or by calling the court. If you know there is a warrant out for you, take action right away.
When you have an arrest warrant, the most important thing you can do is contact a criminal defense attorney. A defense lawyer can determine the best steps to handle your warrant appropriately and timely.
When you hire an attorney, they can review the details of your case and help you understand your legal rights. While you can proceed with your case without a defense attorney, having a qualified lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
The Risk of Ignoring an Arrest Warrant
While your first instinct might be to ignore an arrest warrant, taking no action can actually do more harm in the long run. If you evade police and try to ignore the warrant against you, this could result in additional charges.
It’s best to tackle the issue head-on and not risk any more legal trouble. When you have a lawyer on your side, they can help handle the issue at hand and secure the best possible outcome.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Assist With Your Arrest Warrant
If you’ve recently learned there is a warrant out for your arrest, do not wait to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can represent your best interests and give you the peace of mind you need during a turbulent time.
