Ask Eskew Law: I was told that there is a warrant out for my arrest. What should I do next?

Q: A family member informed me they found out I have a warrant out for my arrest. What should I do?

A: If you find out you have a warrant issued for your arrest, the first thing you need to do is contact a defense attorney to discuss the charges and appropriate next steps.

If you are unaware of pending criminal charges or the fact that you have an active warrant, finding out through a third party can be stressful and alarming. Partnering with an experienced Indiana criminal defense attorney is the first step to protecting your rights.

It is important to discuss your options with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Different counties and courts handle warrants in different ways. Different bonds are more beneficial than others. Some courts may recall certain warrants if proper motions are filed, some may set a hearing before someone has to be taken into custody.

Here are a few other things you can do:

Check the Status of Your Case

You can visit the Indiana MyCase website and see if bail has been set. If the bail amount has been set, and you have enough funds to cover the bail amount, you should then contact your county jail or court clerk to get more information on where you need to go to post bond.

Before you pay the bond it is important to understand the differences between the types of bonds. If the bond type is not appropriate an attorney may ask the court to change the bond type. It may be beneficial and allow you to get your money back or use it towards legal fees. Note: It is recommended that you consult with an attorney before calling the county jail or court clerk.

Typically, individuals with an outstanding warrant may expect to receive communication from law enforcement authorities. This often involves receiving a call from an investigator, informing them about the issuance of a warrant. They are then given the choice to surrender voluntarily or risk being apprehended by the authorities.

Surrender Yourself

Generally, it is always better to voluntarily surrender yourself than to be arrested and taken into custody. If you don’t surrender yourself, you could risk getting arrested during routine traffic stops, being served and arrested at work or home. Be sure to speak to a qualified criminal defense attorney before turning yourself in. There may be ways to speed up a bond review setting.

Not Sure Of Your Warrant Status – Expert Criminal Defense Attorneys Are A Call Away

There are certain situations where you can have your attorney request to lower the bail amount or ask the court to change the type of bond. Depending on the charges filed against you, you may or may not be eligible to request a bail modification.

The team of criminal defense attorneys at Eskew Law can provide insight and guidance surrounding:

• How and where to turn yourself in
• Posting bail
• Appearing in court for your initial hearing
• Assisting in preserving your legal rights
• Additional steps to take for your specific situation and charges
• Prepare a defense strategy for your charges

If you have questions regarding active warrants or other criminal defense matters, contact us today to be connected with one of our knowledgeable Indiana attorneys.