It may have happened to you or a loved one: a sudden arrest on outstanding charges of which no one was aware. This seemingly out-of-the-blue misunderstanding can destroy many aspects of your life, including your career, personal and professional relationships, and more. That’s why it’s important to know if you have warrants, to understand the process, and to know how to get help in your time of need.
First, keep in mind that arrest warrants usually do not never expire. That means an incident that occurred in your past can still come back to haunt you. Rather than live in fear or uncertainty, it’s helpful to know all the options available, and to use your resources to avoid a potentially costly and embarrassing incarceration. Read on to learn how.
Know the Basics
Thousands of Florida arrest warrants are issued each year for a wide range of crimes and matters. This includes:
- criminal activity (including assault and battery)
- sexual assault and sex crimes
- homicide (including involuntary manslaughter)
- property crime, theft, and/or vandalism
- traffic violations (including DUI)
- distribution and possession of narcotics
- failure to appear in court
- failure to pay child support (or fulfill other mandated expenses)
- and more
Depending on the severity of your offense, you may serve time in jail or prison, be placed on probation, pay a fine, or secure another legally-binding resolution. When you contact an attorney in Daytona Beach well-versed with criminal law, you’ll discover your best options to clear or address a warrant. At the least, you’ll be in a better position to take logical and legal next steps relevant to your unique situation.
Know Where you Stand
Police and sheriff’s deputies can and will come to your home, workplace, or anywhere they know you can be reached. In fact, during Hurricane Irma, one Central Florida county sheriff publicly acknowledged that his deputies would immediately arrest anyone with a warrant who arrived at a public facility seeking shelter from the storm.
Then there’s something called a bench warrant. This is issued by a judge for various reasons, including violation of a court order (sometimes referred to as “contempt of court”). Violation of probation is another reason a judge may issue a bench warrant, or if you fail to appear for a court date. Don’t risk adding insult to injury or getting caught off guard entirely. Partner with trusted and reputable Volusia County lawyers who can help you navigate this stressful and confusing time. The sooner an attorney can make contact with the court and the prosecutor regarding the outstanding arrest warrant, the better.
Know Your Options
Many people search online to see if there are warrants attached to their names. While a good start, this method only provides you with very little if any information. It doesn’t supply you with next steps. In addition, not all pending warrants in the Sunshine State are immediately available for online viewing. So, while it seems your name is clear, you might not be getting the total picture.
If you suspect you or a loved one has an outstanding warrant, don’t risk unpleasant surprises. Contact a skilled and qualified Daytona Beach criminal attorney today.
Obtain Valuable Peace of Mind
Discovering an outstanding warrant for your arrest can be devastating. Your mind is swirling with thoughts of what the future could hold for you and your loved ones. It’s nice to know, then, that there are Daytona Beach attorneys who can help you make sense of these trying times and work toward a viable solution.
For more than 35 years, the reliable attorneys at Rice Law Firm have served as hard-working advocates for people across Central Florida. That includes criminal defense, divorce and family law, business and corporate law, probate law, and more. Let us help with all your legal needs. Contact us today to begin a discussion.
