If the police have evidence to suggest you may have committed a crime—that is, if they have probable cause—they can go before a judge to get a warrant for your arrest. This does not mean that you have been found guilty, but it does make you a suspect—and it gives the police the right to arrest you whenever and wherever they can. In other words, they can arrest you at home, at work, or anywhere else. You do not have to be engaged in illegal activity when they pick you up.
So what do you need to know about warrants? How can you find out if there is a warrant for your arrest—and what do you do if there is? Here are some brief guidelines and tips from our Riverside bail bonds service.
How can you find out if there is a warrant for your arrest?
Sometimes, you’ll receive a letter or a phone call alerting you to the warrant, but not always. Alternatively, you can always go to the police department’s website to see if there are any open warrants. You can also call the county clerk’s office to make inquiries about any open warrants for your arrest. (And if there are any, it’s helpful to ask about the specific charges, whether or not bail has been set, etc.)
What will the police do with the warrant?
There are different types of warrants, depending on the nature and severity of the crime. For example, a bench warrant is issued for minor offenses, like missing a court appearance. On bench warrants, the police won’t actively pursue you, but they will arrest you if you happen to get pulled over for speeding or something similar.
An arrest warrant is issued for more serious crimes—and for these, the police likely will pursue you, arrest you, and formally charge you.
Can you turn yourself in?
You can turn yourself in, and in fact, doing so is often a wise move—especially if you are innocent or you are a first-time offender. Turning yourself in can sometimes win you favor with the court, and may lead to a lower bail or to lighter sentencing.
What about bail?
Sometimes your warrant will include information about bail. Even if it doesn’t, when you find out there is a warrant for your arrest, it is always good to establish contact with a bail bond company in your area. Also, make sure your family members know which bonding service company you are using. When you talk to the bail bond company, provide them with as much information about the charges as you can.
If you’re looking for help from a Riverside bail bond company, Remedy can help. We are proud to be one of the leading 24-hour bail bond companies in the area, and we are here to help individuals get out of jail to be at home with their families while they await their day in court. Reach out to us today to learn more!
