In order for an individual to be arrested, the arresting officer must have valid probable cause to believe the suspect is guilty of a crime, or law enforcement must have a signed court order, giving them the authority to conduct an arrest. If you have been arrested without the presence of either of these requirements, contact an Austin criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the laws regarding warrants and warrantless arrests.
Austin Arrest Warrant Attorney
Contact The Law Office of Kevin Bennett today to schedule a free consultation on your alleged offense in and around Travis County, Pflugerville, Austin, Lago Vista, and West Lake Hills. Kevin Bennett is a dedicated defense attorney in Austin who will review the facts of your case and work hard to find procedural errors made by law enforcement which could lead to a dismissal of your charges.
If you are facing charges stemming from an unjustified arrest, call Kevin Bennett today at (512) 476-4626 so that The Law Office of Kevin Bennett can defend you.
Information Center for Warrants in Texas
- Warrants and Summons in Austin
- How Can I be arrested if the Officer Doesn’t Have a Warrant?
- How Can I Check if I Have an Outstanding Warrant?
- Serving Clients Who Have Been Arrested in Travis County
Warrants and Summons in Austin
An arrest warrant is a court-ordered document signed by a judge that gives law enforcement the authority to place an individual under arrest. By law, if the warrant is not signed by a judge, it is invalid. Article 15.26 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure says that anytime a law enforcement officer serves a warrant, he or she must notify the individual that they are being arrested pursuant to a warrant.
In some cases, a judge will issue a summons which will notify the defendant that he or she is to appear in court at a specific date and time. If the individual fails to appear in court at the time, a bench warrant will be issue for his or her arrest. A bench warrant differs from an arrest warrant in the sense that a bench warrant is used when an individual violates a court order, while an arrest warrant is issued when an individual has allegedly committed a criminal offense.
How Can I be arrested if the Officer Doesn’t Have a Warrant?
Although a warrant is usually required for a law enforcement official to carry out an arrest, there are some circumstances in which police officers can execute an arrest without one. According to Article 14 of the Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure, some of these scenarios include:
- The officer witnessed a criminal offense
- The officer believes the suspect has violated a protective order
- The suspect was in possession of stolen property and the officer believes the suspect was responsible for the theft
- The suspect gives a voluntary statement to police, which gives them probable cause to believe he or she is guilty of a felony
- Law enforcement has probable cause to believe the suspect committed a felony and is fleeing
In some cases, law enforcement officials who make warrantless arrests, do so without following proper procedure, or without having valid probable cause. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Austin, you may be able to successfully argue that your arrest was unjust, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges against you.
How Can I See if I Have a Warrant?
Arrest warrants are registered via the county sheriff’s office. Click the appropriate link to check if you have an outstanding warrant.
Austin Police Department Warrant Search: https://services.austintexas.gov/police/warrants/warrantsearch.cfm
Travis County Sheriff Warrant Search: https://www.tcsheriff.org/services/public-resources/warrant-search
Please note that not every warrant will be registered online. Some warrants may take time to be uploaded, and others may remain hidden for priority arrests.
Serving Clients Who Have Been Arrested in Travis County
Contact Kevin Bennett today to set up a consultation about the circumstances which lead to your arrest. The Law Office of Kevin Bennett devotedly serves clients who have been arrested without probable cause or proper documentation in Sunset Valley, Austin, Travis County, Rollingwood, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, Lakeway, West Lake Hills, and the surrounding areas.
Call The Law Office of Kevin Bennett today at (512) 476-4626, so that Kevin Bennett can begin reviewing the facts of your case and working to help you receive your desired outcome.
