Do Not Let an Arrest Warrant Stop You in Your Tracks
A WARRANT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION
The AP Law Group attorneys Tania Alavi & Andrew Pozzuto have over 55 years combined legal experience defending people accused of a variety of misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes. Having a warrant out for your arrest is a very concerning experience. A simple traffic stop, and you may be taken into custody immediately and end up in jail. Florida courts and law enforcement take warrants very seriously, and will arrest you if you do not appear for a mandatory court appearance, violate probation, or fail to fulfill your court ordered sentence.
If you have an outstanding bench warrant or arrest warrant in Florida, contact an experienced Ocala criminal defense attorney. Alavi & Pozzuto can advise you on what you need to do to avoid further penalties. If you fail to appear in court, you will likely face more severe penalties than you would have if you faced the original charge. The attorneys at The AP Law Group can provide counsel to help your unique situation.
WHY ARE WARRANTS ISSUED?
- Bench warrant: A bench warrant is a warrant directing law enforcement to take a person into custody and bring the person before the court to address the reason the warrant was issued. Courts most often issue bench warrants for failure to appear, for violating probation, or for failure to comply with a court order to pay a fine, complete community service, pay child support, or do some other act. If you are picked up on a warrant, you could be held in jail until the court has a hearing on your case, or you could be required to post a high bond and pay court fees.
- Arrest warrant: If the police have probable cause that you committed a crime, an officer or detective can request that the court issue a warrant for your arrest. Once in custody, you can be held without bail until an arraignment, release hearing, or other proceeding.
MISSING A COURT APPEARANCE
For minor charges or criminal traffic, you can receive a summons to appear in court. This is a court order. Depending on the charges, you may be required to appear several times during a criminal case. If you do not appear as ordered, you violate the court order and the judge can charge you with the crime of failure to appear or contempt of court. In addition to charging you with a crime, the court can take action if you fail to appear. The court may issue a bench warrant, jail sentence and fines, suspension of your driver’s license, bond revocation, change in conditions release ( If the court previously did not require you to post bond and released on your own recognizance, the judge can change your conditions of release by imposing a bond. Or, if you posted bond in your criminal case, the judge could increase your bond. The judge can require that you stay in jail until your case is completed).
CONSULT THE ATTORNEYS AT THE AP LAW GROUP IN OCALA AND GAINESVILLE
If you know you have missed a court appearance or have discovered a court has issued a warrant against you, an experienced warrant attorney knows how to manage an arrest warrant and can advise you on how to proceed. The AP Law Group will fight for your rights and freedom. Call us at 352-732-9191.