August 28, 2020 | Ohio Law
Having an arrest warrant, whether in your home state or another, is a serious issue. However, some people think that if the warrant is out of state, it won’t lead to problems like an arrest in your home state. They think that a warrant’s authority ends at a state’s borders.
That is most definitely not the case. If a person has a warrant out for their arrest in any state, the information relating to that warrant (name, description, location) is searchable and available to police officers and authorities in any other state.
What happens if you get an out of state warrant depends on what type of warrant has been issued and what type of crime the warrant is for.
Warrant for Arrest for a Felony
An arrest warrant is a document that gives police the authority to arrest an individual. In most cases, the reason a warrant for arrest is issued is that law enforcement suspects the person named in the warrant has committed a crime – such as murder or rape.
The terms of an arrest warrant typically allow for police to arrest the person anytime and anywhere. That includes in other states. If a crime is serious enough and authorities expect the suspect is in a different state, they can even coordinate with local law enforcement in the other state to arrest the individual.
This is most common if the warrant that has been issued is for a felony. If you have a warrant out for your arrest in another state for a felony and you are stopped by police in your home state, there is a good chance you will be arrested and extradited to the state where the warrant was issued.
If you have a warrant out for your arrest in another state for a felony crime, you need to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. They will help walk you through the process of turning yourself in while doing their best to minimize the fines, penalties, and jail time relating to the warrant in question.
Warrant for Arrest for a Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors are lesser crimes that carry shorter jail times and fines than felonies. When a person has a warrant out for their arrest for a misdemeanor crime, it will not necessarily lead to them being extradited to the state where the warrant was issued. Instead, the matter can likely be settled by paying a fine and without facing jail time.
In order to properly deal with an out of state warrant for a misdemeanor, it is best to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands and has experience with these matters. They will be able to help you avoid serious legal consequences and settle the issue as painlessly as possible.
Bench Warrant
Another type of warrant is a bench warrant. Judges issue bench warrants when an individual fails to appear in court whether for a hearing or trial. Unlike arrest warrants which indicate that a person is a suspect for a crime, bench warrants can be issued in both criminal and civil cases.
If you have failed to appear for any legal proceedings that have hindered a judge from administering justice, you could be facing serious legal consequences. Your driver’s license could be suspended and you could be fined or even jailed. Rather than letting the problem continue, get in touch with a criminal defense attorney who will know how to help you resolve the issues related to a bench warrant.
Can I Find Out if I Have An Out of State Warrant?
It should be noted that arrest warrants never expire. They only go away in the case of death or if the matter is resolved in some way—usually by the person named in the warrant turning themself in or by paying all necessary fines. If you suspect you might have an out of state arrest warrant or bench warrant, don’t let the problem fester—it isn’t going away, and it will only get worse.
There are several ways you can find out if there is a warrant out for your arrest in another state. These ways include:
- Conducting an online search through county records
- Using the services of a bail bondsmen
- Hiring a qualified criminal defense attorney
In this case, the best option is to hire a criminal defense attorney. They know how to navigate the complex legal issues surrounding out of state warrants and will do their best to limit all fines and penalties you may incur.
Contact the Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati Law Office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
United States
