Dealing with an arrest warrant can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Understanding the process and knowing your rights can help you navigate the legal system more effectively. An arrest warrant is a court order issued by a judge, allowing law enforcement to arrest a person for a suspected crime. Arrest warrants are typically issued when law enforcement has gathered enough evidence to believe that a person has committed a crime.
Arrest warrants are generally issued based on probable cause, which means that there is a reasonable belief that the individual committed the crime in question. Some common grounds for issuing arrest warrants include:
- Statements from witnesses or victims who can provide information about the alleged crime can be used as grounds for issuing a warrant.
- Evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, or surveillance footage can link a person to a crime and provide sufficient grounds for an arrest warrant.
- Information provided by confidential informants or tipsters from the public can sometimes lead to the issuance of arrest warrants.
- Information gathered during the course of a criminal investigation, including interviews with suspects and analysis of evidence, can contribute to the decision to issue an arrest warrant.
Arrest Warrants May be Issued at any of the following times:
- Law enforcement may request an arrest warrant during the investigation phase, before formal charges are filed. This allows them to apprehend a suspect based on evidence collected so far.
- After a grand jury reviews evidence in certain felony cases, they may issue an indictment, which can lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
- In some cases, arrest warrants are issued after charges have been filed if the suspect fails to appear in court as required or if they violate the conditions of their release.
- If an individual does not appear in court as required, the judge may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This is common in cases where someone has been summoned to court as a defendant and/or witness.
- If someone on probation or parole violates the terms of their release, a warrant may be issued to bring them back into custody.
If you suspect or believe you have an arrest warrant in Arizona:
Consult an Attorney Right Away:
If you find out that an arrest warrant has been issued for you, the first step is to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. Based on the information you provide to the attorney, they can help you determine the specific charges, the court where the warrant was issued, and sometimes determine if a bond has already been set for your release. The attorney can also provide you with guidance, assess your case, and help you understand the best course of action. An attorney can represent you in court and work to have the warrant lifted or quashed.
Facing an arrest warrant can be an intimidating experience, but with the right legal representation and a thorough understanding of the process, you can work towards having the warrant lifted or quashed. Our attorneys at Castillo law are experienced in representing individuals to get their arrest warrants lifted and/or quashed. Contact our office for a free consultation to discuss whether or not you have a warrant and if a motion can be filed to quash the warrant. Our attorneys are available 24/7 at 480-206-5204 and/or 602-795-6701.