What To Do If You Have an Outstanding Arrest Warrant in California

Posted on: November 14th, 2023 by Dod Law

Outstanding Arrest Warrant

Discovering you have an arrest warrant issued against you can be overwhelming. Many individuals may find out about an outstanding warrant after a quick internet search or by information obtained through family or friends. When you determine you have an outstanding arrest warrant or you suspect there may be a warrant you are unsure of, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and take the appropriate action to work to resolve the case.

Outstanding arrest warrants can arise for a wide range of crimes, and knowing why a warrant is active against you and the consequences you may be facing is critical for you to defend your rights. A criminal defense lawyer works to represent defendants in criminal cases throughout the criminal justice process. 

Call a California Criminal Defense Lawyer at Dod Law As Soon As Possible

When you suspect or discover you have an active and outstanding arrest warrant against you in California, you should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on the specifics of your circumstance and guide you on what steps you should take next. You are at risk of being arrested if an arrest warrant is in effect.

Rather than waiting for the arrest, taking proactive steps to address this troubling circumstance is best. Contacting and hiring a lawyer when you discover the warrant can give the attorney the time and insight to best prepare for your case.  

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help With an Outstanding Arrest Warrant

One of the initial steps your lawyer can take is to research the warrant in question and evaluate it. Your attorney can review the charges presented against you in the document. By establishing what is in the warrant, your lawyer can then take steps to begin the process of addressing the warrant and charges you may be facing. 

Some other ways that a criminal defense attorney can help with your outstanding arrest warrant include:

Helping Make Arrangements For You to Turn Yourself In

Once you hire a lawyer and they have a clear understanding of what transpired in your case and the contents of the warrant against you, they can then communicate with law enforcement to make arrangements for you to surrender. This can prevent unexpected situations where you could be arrested without warning. The lawyer can arrange for a time and location for you to turn yourself in and inform you about what will happen following the arrest if the warrant against you is valid.

Beginning to Build Your Defense Against Your Charges

A significant benefit to contacting a lawyer is that they can take an in-depth look at your case and get a head start on building your defense and case. If there are any issues as to the validity of the warrant, your lawyer can bring them up to prosecutors. Additionally, your attorney can begin to gather evidence and take steps to prepare as you move through the criminal justice process.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer For Help With an Outstanding Arrest Warrant

It is understandable to feel stressed when discovering you have an outstanding arrest warrant in California. We understand the frustration and fear that this situation can cause, which is why we work hard to represent individuals facing these challenging circumstances. Do not make any rash decisions without seeking legal support and assistance. A lawyer can give you the best perspective on your case while also explaining the laws applicable to your case and the process that you may go through. 

Contact a member of our team at Dod Law to discuss your rights and what options you may have available in your case. 

Call us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Vista office 760-814-6025 or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form to discuss the best way forward.