A Quick Guide To What Happens When Your Are Arrested On A Warrant
Here is a quick and general guide to what will happen if a warrant is issued for your arrest.
A Criminal Charge Will Be Issued Against You
You can be charged before you are arrested. For example, if you got in a fight with someone and left the scene before the police arrived, a warrant could later be issued against you for assault. Or if you are in an accident and leave the scene of the accident, once the police figure out you caused the accident and fled the scene, a warrant could also be issued. Or your actions could be investigated, for example, for money laundering and fraud, and a warrant could be issued when they have gathered enough evidence against you.
The Police Will Try To Contact You
There are many different situations where a warrant could be issued for your arrest. Generally, if a warrant is issued, the courts or the local police department should attempt to contact you and let you know that a warrant was issued for your arrest.
If the police are not able to contact you, they will attempt to find you in order to serve you with your warrant and arrest you. They may come looking for you at your home or your place of business.
When the police find you, they will give you the warrant for your arrest that explains exactly what you are being charged with. They will also read you your rights. They will handcuff you and bring you down to their police department.
You Will Be Processed At The Police Station
Once you are take to the police station, you will be fingerprinted, your picture will be taken, and all other necessary paperwork will be filled out. You will have to change into prison clothing. You should be able to call an attorney at this time.
You will stay at your local police station in their holding area until a court hearing can be scheduled. The hearing should take place in a matter of hours or days after your arrest. You should have an opportunity to talk with your attorney before your hearing takes place.
You Will Go In Front Of A Judge
You will see a judge in court and they will let you know why you were arrested and what you are being charged with. The judge has to take time to ensure that you understand all the charges that are being filed against you. If you do not understand the charges, the judge has to make a reasonable attempt to explain them to you.
Then you will be asked to put in a plea. If you say that you are guilty, a trial does not have to take place and the government does not have to show that their charges against you are correct. You can just be sentenced.
If you say that you are not guilty, the government has to show that their charges against you are correct at trial. If you say no contest in court, you are essentially not denying the charges or admitting guilt, and a trial will take place. Your attorney should advise you on your plea.
What happens next depends on how you plea. At your hearing, the judge may also decide to release you pending your trail or request bail.
As soon as you know that there is a warrant out for your arrest you should hire a criminal attorney like Thomas A Corletta if you don't already have legal representation.
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