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What Should I Do if There is a Warrant Out for My Arrest in NYC?

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

What Should I Do if There is a Warrant Out for My Arrest in NYC?

We get it – finding out there’s a warrant out for your arrest is scary. Your mind is probably racing with questions and uncertainty about what happens next. Just take a deep breath – this article will walk you through the key things you need to know and do if you have an active arrest warrant in NYC.

Confirm if There is Actually a Warrant

The first thing you’ll want to do is confirm if there is actually an active warrant or if it’s just a rumor or misunderstanding. You can call the NYPD warrant squad at 646-610-5906 to inquire if there is an outstanding warrant in your name. They should be able to look it up in their system and confirm if a warrant exists or not.

If they do confirm an active warrant, don’t panic. There are still steps you can take to address the situation.

Understand the Warrant and Charges

If there is a confirmed warrant, you’ll want to get as much information about it as possible so you understand what you’re dealing with. Key things to find out:

  • What are the actual charges or alleged violations? – Is it a bench warrant for missing a court date, an arrest warrant related to an alleged crime, a violation of probation or parole, etc? Knowing the charges is key.
  • What court or law enforcement agency issued the warrant? – Warrants can be issued by different courts and agencies depending on the violations or charges. This impacts how and where you may be able to address it.
  • Is there bail, and if so, how much? – Many warrants have preset bail amounts that you may be able to post to get released if arrested. Understanding the bail implications can help guide next steps.

Consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney

Before doing anything else, it’s highly recommended to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after discovering the warrant. An experienced attorney can review the warrant details, charges, and case specifics to advise you on all available options and the smartest path forward considering the situation.

Some key things a lawyer can help with:

  • Negotiating Surrender Terms – Rather than get unexpectedly arrested on the warrant, an attorney can often negotiate with the court/law enforcement agency to arrange an organized, peaceful self-surrender on agreed upon terms. This allows you to handle the situation with more control and dignity.
  • Guiding Bail and Release Strategy – If bail is already set on the warrant, the lawyer can advise if it makes sense to pay it immediately upon arrest or argue for bail modifications like reduced payment options. If no bail is set yet, they can guide bail arguments.
  • Assessing Defense Strategy – For warrants related to alleged crimes, an attorney is key for building a defense by assessing the prosecution’s case, key evidence, identifying witnesses, etc. This can start right away.
  • Weighing Options – A lawyer can objectively weigh the risks and benefits of different options like coming forward immediately vs waiting, paying bail now vs later, going to trial vs attempting plea bargains, etc based on the charges and your specific situation. Their legal expertise is invaluable for mapping out a strategy.

Bottom line – their counsel and representation can influence the outcome so consulting an attorney should be a top priority. Public defenders are an option if you cannot afford private counsel.

Consider Turning Yourself In

In some cases, voluntarily surrendering on an outstanding warrant can positively influence how your case progresses. It shows the court you are taking it seriously and not trying to evade responsibility. An attorney can negotiate ideal surrender terms like where/when you’ll come in, arrangements for initial bail payment if needed, etc. They may even be able to get the warrant lifted so you don’t have to be arrested.

Seek Warrant Recall

If the warrant is for a minor offense or there are good reasons why it should be revoked, your attorney may be able to file a motion to recall the warrant with the court and get it canceled before an arrest. Whether this is an option depends on the case specifics and judges discretion.

Don’t Ignore It

It can be tempting to want to ignore or run from an outstanding warrant, but this will only make things exponentially worse. The warrant will not just go away on its own. And if you get arrested on it unexpectedly, you lose all control over the situation and the outcome may be much harsher. Taking proactive steps is key.

Understand the Consequences

The potential consequences largely depend on the charges and whether it relates to an alleged crime, missed court date, parole violation, etc. Some warrants allow for bail and release in 12-24 hours after arrest, while others may result in prolonged jail time. An attorney can advise on likely outcomes based on the details of your specific case. Know that proactively addressing it typically leads to better consequences.

FAQ

Can I get arrested on a warrant anywhere, or just in the county it was issued?

Warrants issued in NYC are enforceable anywhere in New York state. So yes, even if you travel outside NYC or the 5 boroughs, you can still be arrested if stopped by law enforcement who find the warrant.

How long do warrants last in NYC if I lay low and avoid arrest?

There is no statute of limitation on outstanding warrants, so they remain valid indefinitely until the issuing court/agency withdraws it or you are arrested. Some very old minor warrants do get periodically dropped from the system, but for more serious offenses warrants will remain active for years.

If arrested, would I get released quickly on a minor NYC warrant?

Not necessarily. Even if the original violations were minor, failure to appear on the warrant or ignoring it can be treated harshly itself. And courts tend to set higher bail on outstanding warrants even for minor charges compared to if you had showed up initially.

Can I find out online if I have a warrant in NYC?

Unfortunately there is no official public online database to search for outstanding warrants in New York state or NYC specifically. Checking with the NYPD warrant squad by phone is your best option to inquire about active warrants. Some commercial background check services also provide warrant checks, but the information may not be reliable or up-to-date.

In Conclusion

Discovering there’s a warrant out for your arrest is jolting news, but staying calm and taking proactive legal steps is vital. Confirm details on the warrant, consult with a criminal lawyer right away, weigh the option of organized surrender, and understand your options clearly. While frightening, thousands resolve warrants in NYC every year through proper legal guidance. This situation truly calls for “hope for best, prepare for worst”. With smart strategy and support, the outcome can be managed.

Resources

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in New York City – CityLand NYC
https://www.citylandnyc.org/resources/how-to-find-out-if-you-have-a-warrant-in-new-york-city/

Warrants – NYC Criminal Court
https://www.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/criminal/warrants.shtml

When You Need a Lawyer to Recall a Warrant in New York
https://www.new-york-lawyers.org/recall-a-warrant.html

Voluntarily Surrendering on an Outstanding Warrant – Shouse California Law Group
https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/blog/warrants/voluntarily-surrendering-on-an-outstanding-warrant/

How to Get a Warrant Recalled in California – Legal Beagle
https://legalbeagle.com/8481504-warrant-recalled-california.html

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