What Should I Do If There’s A Warrant For My Arrest in Texas?

If you find out there’s a warrant for your arrest in Texas, you may have a lot of questions. What does this mean for my future? What should I do now? These questions are natural – don’t panic. Understanding what an arrest entails and knowing how to respond can make a huge difference in your case. At Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers, we’ve helped many people through this process.

What is an arrest warrant?

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that gives law enforcement the authority to take you into custody. Arrest warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime.

Here in Texas, an arrest warrant contains details like your name (or a detailed description if your name isn’t known), the crime you are suspected of committing, and the judge’s signature, which shows that the warrant is valid.

One important thing to remember is that arrest warrants don’t expire. Once they’re issued, they remain active until the matter is resolved. This means you can be arrested weeks, months, or even years after the warrant is issued if you don’t take action.

Why might a warrant be issued for my arrest?

There are several reasons a warrant might be issued for your arrest:

• If you miss a scheduled court date, whether it’s simply for a traffic ticket or a more serious charge, the judge may issue a warrant.
• If law enforcement has evidence linking you to a crime, they can request a warrant for your arrest.
• Unpaid court-ordered fines or child support can also lead to an arrest warrant.
• If you’re on probation or parole and violate any of the terms, a warrant can be issued for your arrest.

How can I confirm that there’s a warrant for my arrest?

If you believe there’s a warrant out for your arrest, don’t get blindsided. You can take proactive steps to help regain control of the situation.

• Texas has online databases where you can search for active warrants. Bell County, in particular, has its own warrant search tools.
• You can call or visit the clerk’s office in the county where you suspect the warrant might have been issued. However, be cautious – this can alert the authorities to your location.
• An experienced criminal defense attorney can perform a confidential warrant search on your behalf. This can help ensure your rights remain protected while you get the information you need.

What should I do if I find out about an arrest warrant?

If you do discover there’s a warrant out for your arrest, the next steps you take are vital. Here’s what you should do:

• Don’t ignore the warrant. Ignoring it won’t make it go away – in fact, it could make matters worse. Police can arrest you at any time; at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop.
• The most important step you can take is to meet with a Killeen criminal defense attorney immediately. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand the charges against you, advise you on your legal rights, and develop a plan to resolve the warrant.
• While it may seem proactive to turn yourself in, doing this without the help of an attorney can be risky. Police may try to question you, and anything you say can (and will) be used against you. Our attorneys can guide you on the best way to surrender, often negotiating these terms to make the process run more smoothly.
• It may be tempting to share your frustrations or worries online – but don’t. Anything you post on social media could potentially be used against you in court.
• If your attorney advises you to surrender, you’ll need to be prepared. This can include arranging for bail money, notifying your employer, or making childcare arrangements.

What happens after I’m arrested in Texas?

Once you’re arrested, you’ll be taken to jail and booked. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.

You’ll then be informed of your charges and may have a chance to post bail. In Texas, bail allows you to be released from custody while you’re awaiting trial. Our attorneys can help argue for a reduced bail amount or even seek a personal recognizance bond, which doesn’t require upfront payment.

How can your Killeen criminal defense attorneys help?

Here’s how our skilled criminal defense attorneys can assist you:

• In some cases, we may be able to resolve the warrant without you having to be arrested. For example, we might negotiate with the court to recall the warrant.
• We also work to ensure that law enforcement doesn’t violate your rights during arrest or subsequent questioning.
• Once the warrant is addressed, we help you fight the charges, whether that means negotiating a plea deal or preparing for trial.

What not to do if you have an outstanding arrest warrant

Knowing what NOT to do when dealing with an arrest warrant is just as important.

• Attempting to flee or hide from authorities can lead to additional charges against you.
• Don’t contact the victim or witnesses. If your warrant is related to a criminal charge, contacting individuals involved in the case could be seen as witness tampering.
• Don’t try to handle things alone – without legal guidance, you could unintentionally make things worse for yourself.

Frequently asked questions about arrest warrants in Texas

Following are some common questions and answers about arrest warrants.

Can I be arrested at home?

Yes. Police can arrest you at home if they have a warrant. However, they generally can’t enter your home without either your permission or a search warrant unless there are extenuating circumstances like they’re in hot pursuit.

Will I be notified about the warrant against me?

Not always. Some warrants are mailed or served, but others are only discovered during interactions with law enforcement, like a traffic stop.

Can I be arrested in another state?

Yes. Texas arrest warrants are often entered into a national database. If you’re stopped in another state, the warrant could still result in your arrest.

Don’t let a warrant for your arrest disrupt your life any longer. Take control of the situation today. The experienced Killeen criminal defense attorneys at Mary Beth Harrell Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyers can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome. Whether it’s resolving the warrant, negotiating with the court, or building a strong defense, we’re here to help. Contact our offices now for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward putting this behind you. Call us or fill out our contact form today.