What types of crime can I have a warrant for?

Arrest warrants are issued for two primary types of crime. Felony crime and misdemeanor crime are the two main crime classifications.

If you do not know about a warrant for your arrest presumably it is for an alleged misdemeanor crime rather that a felony. You kinda think you would know if you committed a felony crime.

Misdemeanor crimes are those that attract one year or less sentences and all others are considered felony crimes.

Crimes are classified into different classes within the two primary types. For example serious crimes are classified as Felony Class A crimes. Petty crimes or crimes that may only attract fines are misdemeanor Class C crimes.

How can I have a warrant?

In general warrants of arrest are issued for the following reasons:

1. Failing to turn up in court for a cause hearing
2. Failing to pay court ordered fines or costs
3. Not meeting the terms of your sentencing order
4. Not obeying the terms of your probation
5. Failure to complete community service set by the court
6. Failing to arrange a date of arraignment
7. Police use probable cause to satisfy a judge who in turn issues a warrant

Traffic violations are the most common generator of warrants. Bench warrants are more often than not used for traffic infractions.

Using bench warrants to satisfy traffic infraction compliance is considered unconstitutional by many.

Regardless a warrant for your arrest should be taken seriously.

What can I do if I have a warrant?

You can do an online check these days to see if there are any warrants for your arrest. You should resolve any warrants should you find any. Seek legal advice if this is a felony warrant.

Assuming it is for a misdemeanor fine offense you need to get the warrant canceled. You have two options available if a warrant is for failing to appear in court. Use the second option for warrants that are not failing to appear in court.

The first option is to post bond for the warrant and the court will issue you with a new date.

The second option is to appear in court voluntarily. Courts provide alloted of times for unscheduled appearances to deal with things like warrants.

Warrants remain outstanding until either a bond is posted or they are quashed by a judge. Even though you appear in court a judge may still require you to post bond before canceling the warrant.

Make sure you get an answer to your question: do I have a warrant?

A Warrant check is essential to establish if you have a warrant or not. To do a Warrant Check now click here