Discovering that a warrant has been issued for your arrest can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether you were notified by law enforcement, learned through a background check or found out another way, it’s important to act quickly and strategically.
In Maryland, ignoring an arrest warrant can lead to serious consequences, including unexpected arrests at work or during a routine traffic stop. If you suspect or know that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, the time to seek legal guidance and to respond to the warrant as directed is now.
Types of warrants and what to do about them
In Maryland, there are two primary types of warrants:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when law enforcement has probable cause that you committed a crime. An officer can arrest you at any time.
- Bench Warrants: Typically issued by a judge for failure to appear in court or comply with a court order. These can also lead to immediate arrest.
Knowing which type of warrant is involved can help you determine your best course of action. Before taking any action, you’ll want to confirm the details of the warrant. You can check with:
- The Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Your local law enforcement agency
- A skilled legal team will also know how to clarify your situation and can advise you accordingly.
Important details to gather include the charges, issuing jurisdiction and any bond information. Once you have spoken to a criminal defense attorney, you may be advised to:
- Arrange a voluntary surrender, which may prevent a dramatic public arrest
- Negotiate pretrial release or bail conditions before you appear before a judge
A warrant will not go away on its own, and delays can lead to more severe consequences. Similarly, evading arrest can result in additional charges and make it harder to secure bail. Your body will likely tell you to “fight, flee or freeze” but working with a knowledgeable lawyer is a far, far better option under these stressful circumstances.
An arrest warrant does not mean you are guilty. You have rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising these rights can make a significant difference in your case, no matter what the details of your situation may be.