Getting arrested can be a terrifying experience for some people. If it is your first time being arrested, you may not know what procedures to follow, and the uncertainty may make you anxious and afraid. The following information will help you understand the basics of an arrest warrant and how our bail bond services can help you if you have been arrested. The more you understand, the better you will be able to make the right decisions in the days ahead.
What an Arrest Warrant Means
An arrest warrant is granted by a judge in a court of law that gives a law enforcement official the right and ability to arrest someone who is suspected of a crime. This warrant is acquired by presenting a judge with probable cause for why the suspect should be arrested. If there is any evidence that can be presented when the warrant is requested, it will speed up the process. It is for this reason that many officers and prosecutors ensure they have probable cause and at least two pieces of evidence to present before the judge when they are requesting an arrest warrant. These types of warrants are usually required when a crime is committed out of view of an officer. If a felony has been committed and a police officer has witnessed the crime, no warrant is necessary to make an arrest. Arrest warrants never expire but remain open until they are dealt with. Once the suspect has been arrested, the warrant is “executed.”
Types of Warrants
Whether or not a law enforcement unit actively pursues you depends on the severity of the crime. There are different types of arrest warrants. Here’s what you need to know.
Arrest Warrant
If a law enforcement officer has probable cause and evidence to believe that you have committed a more serious crime, they can arrest you as soon as possible and pursue you in order to complete that arrest. Upon finding you, they must show you the arrest warrant. If it is unavailable, they can still arrest you but must provide the written document as soon as possible. They may knock on your door and identify themselves, and if you do not respond they are free to use force to enter the premises.
Bench Warrant
A bench warrant is usually issued for people who have committed minor crimes such as missing their court date for a traffic violation or a misdemeanour. Officers will rarely come after you for a bench warrant, but will arrest you if they come across you during their normal course of work.
Search Warrant
A search warrant gives law enforcement the legal authority to search a specific location for specific evidence. These warrants override your right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Officers who ask for a search warrant must convince the judge that a crime was committed, and that evidence related to the crime will likely be found in the locations on the search warrant.
Witness Warrant
A witness warrant is issued to arrest someone who has failed to appear as a witness under a subpoena. Once you have been arrested, you will be taken to court by law enforcement. It\’s possible for you to be released on a recognizance bond, or you may be held in custody until the court is ready to move forward with the case. At that time, you will be asked to tell the court what you know about the event or person that you witnessed.
Surety Warrant
A surety warrant is issued if the person who promised to supervise you during your release no longer wants to be responsible for you. They can go to court and apply to be removed as your surety. This written application will be reviewed, and a surety warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Reasons for an Arrest Warrant to be Issued
There are several reasons why an arrest warrant is issued. These include, but are not limited to, whether the suspect is believed to be involved in a rape, murder, theft, breaking and entering, abduction, smuggling, or grand theft auto case.
Can an Arrest Warrant Be Issued without Committing a Crime?
Even if you did not commit a crime, an arrest warrant can still be issued for you. How does this happen? If your identity has been stolen, for instance, the thief may commit serious crimes using your name. In these cases, the warrant is issued for the wrong person. To avoid identity theft, you should be very careful with what personal information you give out and share online.
How a Bail Bondsman Can Help?
If the court or law enforcement has issued a warrant for your arrest, you will likely be sent to jail. What you do from this point on is crucial to how you spend your time until your trial date. Depending on your situation, there are different types of bail bonds that can help you. If you need help making a decision and need guidance to deal with the pretrial process, a bail bondsman can help.
PCS Bail Bonds can help you if you need to post bail or need advice about your situation. We provide 24-hour bail bonds for all kinds of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, and more. Our experienced agents can help you obtain a bond in a fraction of the time.
We have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, and Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County. We serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas and other municipalities in Tarrant County. We process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in under 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you.