If you believe or have confirmed that you have an outstanding warrant, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You may be worried about being arrested, or being contacted at your place of work. These incidents can be embarrassing and potentially damaging to your reputation.
In this article, we’ll go over the two major types of warrants (arrest and traffic), and how to deal with both.
Types of Warrants
There are two main types of warrants: arrest warrants and traffic warrants.
Traffic Warrants are generally the product of missed ticket payments, but not always. If you fail to pay off a ticket or set of tickets, a warrant will be issued against your car. Being pulled over with a traffic warrant may result in additional tickets, impoundment, or even loss of your driver’s license.
Arrest Warrants are issued for criminal actions. If you are suspected to be involved in the production of a crime, such as arson, assault or domestic abuse, a judge may sign off on a court order that allows the police to arrest you on the spot and bring you back to the police station for questioning.
How to Clear a Traffic Warrant
Depending on the situation, you may be able to clear a traffic warrant online. The easiest way to handle a traffic warrant is usually to simply pay your fines. Once they are paid, the warrant against your car should be retracted. However, you should keep a receipt from the court in your car to show the police if you do happen to be pulled over.
You can also call into the court to receive more information on your exact fine, including what not to do.
How to Clear an Arrest Warrant
Arrest warrants are much trickier to handle. Unlike traffic warrants, it is usually not advised to simply walk into the police station. Chances are, you’ll be arrested on the spot and will need to contact your lawyer.
Your best course of action is to:
- Verify that you have a warrant out for your arrest. You can typically do so by searching online.
- Write down all of the details of your warrant, including the charged crime, reason for publication, the issuing agency, the date of the offence and any other details. If you are able to print the page containing your warrant, that is preferable.
- Contact a seasoned warrant lawyer, such as Kevin Bennett. Your lawyer will advise you on the next steps to take and can contact law enforcement on your behalf. In some cases, the warrant may have been issued because law enforcement believes you have important information related to an ongoing case.
- In some cases, you may be able to pay your bail bond through your lawyer and avoid having to spend any jail time.
Hire a Warrant Attorney in Austin, Texas
If you have, or believe you have, an outstanding warrant, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Kevin Bennett represents those accused of traffic and criminal offenses, and can help clear you of any warrants that may be issued in your name.
Kevin Bennett represents people throughout Travis County, including in Austin, Pflugerville, Lago Vista and Lakeway.
Call The Law Office of Kevin Bennett today at (512) 476-4626 to set up a free consultation.
