WARRANT

A warrant of arrest is an official document that a judge signs to authorize a law enforcement agent to arrest the person named in the document.

When a police officer suspects that a person was involved in a crime, the officer will write an affidavit that includes information showing that a particular person committed a certain crime.

The officer will present this affidavit, under oath, to a judge. The information in the affidavit must show probable cause that the suspect
committed a crime. This means the officer must have enough facts to believe a specific person committed a crime.

ARREST

Once the court issues a warrant, the police have the authority to arrest you anywhere including at your home, office, place of business, or in public places regardless of what you are doing at the time.

Ideally, law enforcement should visit your premises, whether at home or place of work, and serve you the warrant of arrest. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, the police officer may arrest you on the spot or they may require you to turn yourself in.

CUSTODY

Once the police officer arrests you, he or she will take you into custody. This means you will be placed in a local holding jail.

After arresting you and placing you in custody, the officer should do one of two things. He or she should allow you to leave or bring you before a judge for a bail hearing. The police should not delay your bail hearing unreasonably.

A police officer may also drop the charges against you and let you go if, after interrogating you, the officer has reason to believe that you may not be the person they are looking for.

DO'S

When you find out that the police have issued an arrest warrant for you, legal experts recommend that you turn yourself in to keep law enforcement from making a sudden appearance at your home or office. Turning yourself in is also a show of good faith, something the judge presiding over your case will likely appreciate.

As part of the preparation for turning yourself in, determine how you will pay bail in case the court releases you on bond. If you cannot pay bail, you will remain in police custody as you await your case hearing.

If you do not have the financial capacity to pay bail for yourself, get in touch with a reputable bail bonds agent who will pay the bail amount on your behalf to secure your release from police custody.

DON'TS

No matter how stressful the situation might be, do not attempt to run away, for example, by crossing state borders or traveling internationally. This will only increase the charges against you. 

If the police come for you, do not attempt to fight them or speak to them, as you could end up incriminating yourself.

Bear in mind that while the police are required to conduct themselves reasonably when arresting, detaining, and interrogating you, they do not have to immediately tell you the reasons for your arrest.

The prospects of dealing with law enforcement and the criminal justice system can be daunting for anyone. Do not let the financial pressure associated with an arrest stress you out. Let the team at A-Action Bail Bonds bail you out in minutes. Call us today for more information about our bail bonds.