What Are My Options When There Is An Arrest Warrant Out For Me?

So you find yourself in a sticky situation. There's an arrest warrant out for you, and you're probably wondering what your options are. Does this mean you're going to have the Fugitive Task Force or a SWAT team show up at your house or come find you at work to arrest you? Well, not necessarily. In this video, I want to talk about some options that might be available to you, depending on your particular situation, and discuss some things to consider when making that decision.

Proactively Posting Bail: A Clever Move

Let's say you have an arrest warrant out for you, and the bail amount is a hefty $100,000. Most people assume that this means they have to get arrested, post bail, and go through the whole process of being booked into the local jail before they can even think about going to court. But guess what? That's not always the case. Instead of waiting for the inevitable, you can actually proactively post the bond with the sheriff's department and clear the warrant, all without having to endure the unpleasant experience of being booked into county jail.

Now, I know what you're thinking. How is that even possible? Well, in San Diego County, for example, it's actually quite common. Even though it may take some time for the paperwork to be processed and for you to be cleared, it's definitely a better alternative than spending hours in jail. And let's be honest, who wants to go through that if there's a way to avoid it? Surprisingly, many criminal defense lawyers aren't even aware that this option exists, so it's definitely something worth considering.

Not Always the Right Answer: When Proactive Posting Isn't the Best Move

Of course, like with any situation, there are exceptions to the rule. Let's say you have an active warrant for $100,000, and it's for a serious charge like attempted murder. In this case, proactively posting bail may not be the smartest move. Why? Well, let's say that after the warrant is issued, it's discovered that the person in question has passed away. Now, we're looking at a murder charge. Posting bail proactively for the attempted murder warrant doesn't make much sense when you know that your bail is likely to be raised or that you'll be taken into custody without the possibility of bail. In this scenario, you would have wasted a significant amount of money posting bail for a charge that no longer applies.

There are also other factors to consider, such as limited funds and the possibility of hiring a private attorney. Allocating your resources wisely becomes crucial in situations like these. Additionally, when you go to court, there's a chance that the judge may release you on your own recognizance, meaning you won't need to post any bail at all. So it's important to have a conversation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can guide you through the various potential avenues and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Making an Informed Decision: Seek Expert Advice

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you're faced with an arrest warrant. That's why it's crucial to consult with a locally experienced criminal defense lawyer who can provide you with the guidance you need. They can help you strategize, consider all the potential avenues, and weigh the pros and cons of each option. Having an expert by your side can make a world of difference in regaining control of your future when charged with a crime.

So, if you find yourself in need of assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you leave a comment or give us a call, our team at the Law Office of David P. Shapiro, led by the brilliant Stefano Molea, is here to help. Remember, you have options, and with the right guidance, you can regain control of your future. Stay positive, stay proactive, and remember that you're not alone in this journey.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment or give us a call. Stefano Molea, partner at the Law Office of David P. Shapiro, is here to help. You can reach us at 619-295-3555. Let us guide you through this challenging time and help you regain control of your future.