Discovering that there’s a warrant out for your arrest can be overwhelming. Whether the warrant stems from a missed court date or a new allegation, taking prompt and strategic steps is crucial to avoiding unnecessary consequences. Here are five steps that an experienced expungement attorney recommends taking immediately.
1. Confirm the Warrant Exists and Understand What It’s For
The first step is verifying whether a warrant actually exists and understanding its nature. Arrest warrants can be issued for a variety of reasons—ranging from unpaid fines and probation violations to new criminal charges. Many people aren’t aware that even minor infractions can result in a bench warrant.
You can often check for active warrants by contacting the court clerk, your local sheriff’s department, or using an online public records database. However, it’s important to avoid sharing too much personal information during this process if you haven’t yet spoken with legal counsel. An expungement attorney can verify this for you discreetly and determine the scope of the issue.
2. Consult With a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
Once you’ve confirmed the warrant, speaking to a reliable lawyer, preferably one who handles expungements, is essential. A legal professional can explain your rights, outline your options, and help you avoid unnecessary risks such as being arrested at work or during a routine traffic stop.
An expungement attorney can also review your full criminal history and evaluate whether the current issue will interfere with your future record-clearing efforts. In some cases, resolving the warrant efficiently can strengthen a future expungement petition. Your lawyer may even be able to schedule a court date or negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf to reduce the impact of the warrant.
3. Avoid Risky Behavior That Could Lead to Arrest
After discovering a warrant, it’s tempting to go about your life as usual and hope the situation resolves itself. This is a dangerous gamble. Law enforcement can arrest you at any time, especially if you’re pulled over or interact with authorities for any reason. Depending on the type of warrant, this could lead to jail time, additional charges, or complications with pending cases.
Avoid traveling out of state, renewing your driver’s license, or applying for new identification documents until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. According to Bankrate, over 70% of individuals arrested for drunk driving are men, so be sure to avoid getting behind the wheel if you’ve had any substances. These actions could trigger law enforcement notifications. Remaining discreet and taking your next steps carefully can make a big difference in how your case is handled.
4. Voluntarily Address the Warrant Through Legal Channels
One of the best ways to demonstrate accountability is by voluntarily resolving the warrant. Courts often view this decision favorably, especially if you’re represented by a lawyer and show up prepared. In some cases, your expungement attorney can arrange for you to appear without being taken into custody or can negotiate terms that allow you to remain free while resolving the charges.
Voluntarily addressing the issue also gives you more control over how and when you appear before a judge, which could positively influence the outcome of your case. This approach shows initiative and can prevent the situation from escalating further.
5. Prepare for Court and Follow All Legal Advice
Once your warrant is addressed, the legal process doesn’t end there. You must prepare for any upcoming hearings and comply with all court requirements. This may involve attending multiple court dates, paying outstanding fines, or completing community service or treatment programs.
If you’re also pursuing an expungement, this is a critical time to demonstrate that you’re taking your rehabilitation seriously. Every action you take—attending court, communicating respectfully, and following through on legal instructions—adds to your credibility.
An expungement attorney can guide you through the entire process, from addressing the warrant to helping you petition to have past charges removed from your record once eligible. The ultimate goal is to help you move forward with a clean slate, and how you handle this moment can have lasting implications.
Having a warrant doesn’t have to mean the end of your progress; it’s simply a legal hurdle that, when handled properly, can be overcome. If you’re ready to confront a warrant and explore your options for record expungement, reach out to AJLJ Law today. We’re here to help you move forward, one step at a time.
