You can have a warrant issued for your arrest for a multitude of reasons. Finding out what exactly they have been issued and, furthermore, figuring out what to do in response to them can be intimidating. If you’re wondering if you have a warrant for your arrest, there are ways of finding out, with or without the help of an attorney.
The Law Offices of John J. Zarych can help you throughout the entirety of the process of finding out if you have a warrant and the following actions. Get in touch by calling our offices at (609) 445-3759 or by visiting us online.
Finding Out If There Is a Warrant Issued for Your Arrest
Finding out whether there’s a warrant out for your arrest as early as possible is recommended. A warrant can lie dormant for a long time and have consequences later, so it’s best to deal with them as soon after an incident as possible.
The easiest way to find out if there has been a warrant issued for your arrest is to use the search tool on the New Jersey court system’s website. If you have the ticket number, complaint number, license number, or name connected to your case, you can use it to search for a warrant.
However, not all municipalities list their arrest warrants. If you are wondering whether a certain municipality has a warrant for your arrest, you can either call them directly or enlist the help of an attorney to find out.
Types of Warrants
If you find out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, it’s important to know which type of warrant it is, as well as the conditions attached to it. The types of warrants that can be issued against someone are:
- Arrest warrant – This is the most common type of warrant issued. It is an official document issued by either a judge or other magistrate on behalf of the state, which authorizes the arrest of a person who has allegedly been involved in a crime (these crimes can include assault and battery, theft, DUIs, unpaid traffic violations, failure to appear in court, and various other misdemeanors and felonies). Probable cause must be proven before the warrant can be issued, which is proven when sufficient facts and evidence pertaining to the person’s guilt are offered. An arrest warrant will include a few pieces of information: the crime committed, the name of the person who committed the crime, and the location where they may be found. These warrants never expire.
- Search warrant – A search warrant allows an officer to search and seize someone’s objects. In order to get one, police have to prove to a judge that there is reasonable cause to believe that evidence for a crime lies within a certain place belonging to a person, which will be listed on the warrant. The warrant will also include information about the specific items to be seized and the place that will be searched.
- Bench warrant – A bench warrant is issued to bring a person into a courtroom so that a judge may address a certain issue with them. Bench warrants are most frequently issued regarding traffic issues and unpaid traffic tickets, but they may also be issued for failure to appear for an arraignment or other hearing, violation of probation, violation of a condition of bail, child support delinquency, extradition, or failure to pay fines as agreed with the court. They are called “bench warrants” because they are issued from the judge’s seat, which is known as the bench.
How a Lawyer Can Help You with Your Warrant
If you find out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, it’s important to follow a specific process to ensure that you have the minimal amount of long-term consequences. An attorney can help you.
As soon as you find out the reason for your warrant, as well as the place that it’s been issued from, you should contact the courthouse from which the warrant was issued. Speak with a clerk and set up a time to come in to take care of your warrant. Depending on the type of warrant, you may have to stay in jail until the date of your court appearance; some warrants allow you to pay bail to avoid jail.
With many cases, you will probably just have to pay a fine, after which an end will be put to the situation. If you have to go to court as a result of your warrant, make sure that you show up and accept the penalties that are administered. If you enlist the help of an attorney, they can help you throughout the entire process.
Atlantic City Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you perform a search and find out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you should take action immediately. Seek the help of the lawyers at The Law Offices of John J. Zarych for assistance with every step of the process. Call our offices today at (609) 445-3728 or visit us online to set up an appointment for a free consultation.
