A warrant is a criminal summons issued by a Judge that authorizes law enforcement to arrest and search a person, their property or vehicle. Warrants are commonly used by police to seek out people who have failed to attend court hearings or violated probation. It is important to know if you have an active warrant because it can result in fines, jail time and the addition of a criminal record.
Luckily, finding out whether there is a warrant out for your arrest is relatively simple. Most cities, counties and states offer a tool on their website to check for warrants. Some of these searches are free, but others will require you to pay a fee. The paid searches are the best option because they provide more detailed results, such as specific locations where a person’s property has been searched.
If you do have a warrant out for your arrest, it is important to act immediately. A warrant can impact your work and personal life, particularly if you travel frequently. For example, many countries will not let people enter the country if they have an active warrant or a record of committing a crime. Additionally, if you fly, TSA will be alerted to the existence of a warrant and could arrest you on the spot.
The best way to respond to a warrant is to consult an experienced attorney. A lawyer can review the details of the charges or allegations, communicate with the relevant legal authorities on your behalf and develop a strong defense strategy. online warrant