If a judge determines there is probable cause for your arrest, he or she will issue an arrest warrant in your name. Once the warrant is issued, law enforcement is legally able to take you into custody. Law enforcement can arrest you at your home, place of business, or any place in full view of the public.
Being arrested can not only be frightening but embarrassing. If a judge has issued this kind of action, you should call an Orange County arrest warrant lawyer as soon as possible. Our top-rated criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have skillfully assisted numerous clients faced with an arrest warrant. Hiring a proactive and dedicated attorney early in the process could result in a substantially better outcome.
Types of Warrants
In Orange County, there are two types of warrants that a judge may issue. An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest and detain you if they suspect you have committed a criminal offense. Judges issue these warrants if law enforcement shows probable cause you have committed a crime or if a grand jury has indicted you.
A judge issues a bench warrant when an individual has violated the rules and is in contempt of court. Contempt of court means an individual failed to obey the order of the court. Common reasons why a judge would issue a bench warrant are that a person did not show up to court when they were supposed to, or they failed to pay court-ordered child support. Arrest and bench warrants are only valid if they include:
- The full name of the defendant
- The crime the defendant is accused of
- The time the warrant was issued
- The city or county where it was issued
- The name of the court
- The name and title of the judge who issued the warrant
What Happens When an Arrest Warrant is Issued?
Warrants are issued to ensure an individual will show up to court and appear before a judge. After the judge issues a warrant, law enforcement is then free to locate the individual. Once he or she is located, law enforcement can arrest them and take them into custody. Afterward, a judge will typically set bail. The individual must make bail to be released from jail. Under more serious circumstances, judges may not allow a person to post bail. In this situation, the individual must remain in police custody until their appearance in court.
What Should I Do if There is a Warrant Out for my Arrest?
Our Orange County attorneys could assist you if a warrant has been issued for your arrest. Knowing a judge has issued a warrant, and law enforcement officers can arrest you at any moment can be frightening. In this situation, there are specific steps you should take.
Having law enforcement officials show up and arrest you at your home or place of employment can be more than just embarrassing. It could result in long-lasting negative consequences for your personal life and career. To help avoid a public arrest, our experienced lawyers could assist in arranging your surrender.
Additionally, bail can be very costly. Our attorneys could present a convincing argument to the judge, which may result in a lower bail amount. We could also help prevent you from having to post any bail by having you released on your own recognizance.
Should I Speak with Investigators?
Law enforcement officials will want to interview you after they take you into custody. It is never a good idea to make statements to the police without an attorney present. You must remember that anything you say can and will be used against you. Our dedicated attorneys could advise you through every step of an interview with law enforcement if you had an arrest warrant issued against you. Having an attorney’s assistance may help you avoid making any damaging statements and providing law enforcement with evidence to support their case against you.
Recalling an Arrest Warrant in Orange County
In some cases, one of our local attorneys could have your arrest warrant recalled. If a warrant has been recalled, it means that the judge has reversed the order, and law enforcement officials are no longer authorized to arrest you.
To have your warrant recalled, the first thing to do is to contact our team. You will need to explain why the warrant was issued and provide any necessary documentation. Once a member of our legal team has all of the required information, we could request that the court recall the warrant. Typically, your attorney may appear in court on your behalf. If you are willing and able to complete the actions you failed to perform, the judge will most likely recall the warrant. Some of these actions may include:
- Paying fines
- Making required appearances in court
- Meeting with your probation officer when required
- Completing court-ordered programs
- Paying any court-ordered restitution
Contact an Orange County Arrest Warrant Attorney Today
If you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest, please call our office immediately. Orange County arrest warrant lawyer, Scott D. Henry, and his team could help you through this difficult time. During your free consultation, we could answer any questions you may have and develop a case-specific defense strategy.
Additionally, we could help prevent an embarrassing public arrest, avoid bail, or keep your bail amount low, and ensure you do not give any incriminating information to authorities. Our firm genuinely cares about every one of our clients. That is why we are dedicated and determined to fight for a favorable outcome given the circumstances.