Being at the receiving end of a warrant can be a stressful, and extremely scary experience.
If a warrant is issued against you, there are certain steps you can take to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Before deciding how to proceed, however, it is important to know what type of warrant you are facing.
Texas Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is issued by a judge and gives law enforcement the legal right to arrest you.
These warrants are generally only granted if there is probable cause that you committed the offense in question.
In many cases, however, the judge may first issue a summons to appear in court.
Although you must appear in front of the judge if ordered to do so, a summons does not allow law enforcement to arrest you prior to this court appearance.
Law enforcement is required to comply with many rules when they take someone into custody by way of an arrest warrant.
For starters, the officer must explain that the arrest is pursuant to a warrant.
That being said, the officer does not actually need to be in possession of the warrant to make the arrest.
If any of these rules are violated, the arrest may be deemed unlawful.
An experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights if a warrant or summons has been issued against you.
Texas Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are quite different from arrest warrants in that they are not directly related to the commission of a crime.
Instead, a bench warrant is issued if you are in contempt of court.
For example, if you miss a court appearance or fail to pay court-ordered child support, a bench warrant may be issued against you.
Even failing to appear for jury duty can lead to a bench warrant.
As with an arrest warrant, a bench warrant allows law enforcement to take you into custody.
This can be an embarrassing and stressful experience; officers may show up at your home or place of employment to take you into custody and bring you in front of a judge.
As such, it is always in your best interest to comply with any and all court orders.
If, however, you fail to do so, a Texas criminal defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed.
The Law Office of Andrew J. Williams has been defending Texans accused of all types of crimes for more than 20 years.
If you are facing a warrant or criminal charges in the Kingwood area, contact us today at 281-358-9111 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
Steps to Take
If a warrant has been issued, it is important to take immediate action. The sooner you are proactive, the better your chances of avoiding arrest.
Verify Warrant with Harris County Sheriff’s Website
The good news is, you can easily perform an online search to determine whether or not you have a warrant.
The Harris County Sheriff’s (HCSO) website provides information about warrants issued by a Harris County Criminal Court of Law.
If your name appears on the HCSO’s list, do not delay in taking action. If you wait, you may be arrested.
Once you are taken into custody, you will need to post bail in order to be released from custody.
Contact a Texas Criminal Defense Attorney
If your online search confirms that there is, in fact, a warrant against you, contact an attorney immediately.
Every second counts.
Don’t let a missed court date or other minor offense jeopardize your freedom, your finances, and your reputation.
With solid legal counsel, you can stay out of jail, and move on with your life.
Contact the Law Office of Andrew J. Williams Today
If an arrest or bench warrant has been issued against you, the legal team at the Law Office of Andrew J. Williams can help.
We will evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy and remain by your side throughout the entire process.
Contact us today at 281-358-9111 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
