An arrest warrant is a document issued by a judge to law enforcement that allows the police to take an accused criminal into custody to be held until trial.
They never expire and can have a significant and negative impact on someone’s life. This is why it is critical to take immediate action if you or someone you love has a warrant out for their arrest. Tampa criminal defense attorney Ben Stechschulte further explains the ins and outs of arrest warrants…
Misdemeanor & Felony Arrest Warrants
There are two types of arrest warrants in the state of Florida – misdemeanor and felony. Our criminal defense attorney explains each:
Misdemeanor Arrest Warrants
In general, consequences of warrant arrest for a misdemeanor charge will naturally be less severe than that of a felony warrant arrest.
There are certain instances in which a person may not even be aware that an misdemeanor arrest warrant had been issued against them, i.e. writing a bad check. Or perhaps, a person was fully aware that an arrest warrant was issued when he or she failed to appear in court.
Whatever the circumstance, until the arrest warrant is cleared, the accused will not be able to obtain a passport, vote, obtain a weapons permit, or gain employment at a job that requires a background check. This is where an experienced criminal defense attorney can help.
As a former county Prosecutor, Ben Stechschulte has worked closely on both sides of Florida arrests warrants that have been issued both in-state and out-of-state. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you need a lawyer to help protect you and guide you through the legal process.
Felony Arrest Warrants
Felony arrest warrants are extremely serious. Anyone who has committed a violent crime and has a Florida felony arrest warrant against them runs the risk of being extradited to Florida (if out-of-state), incarcerated until trial, will likely lose employment and/or professional licenses, and may suffer other devastating consequences.
A felony warrant arrest can easily be discovered through:
- Traffic violations or checkpoints
- Car accidents
- Background checks
- Any involvement in a separate criminal activity
Law enforcement may choose to execute a misdemeanor or felony warrant arrest at any time and it can happen anywhere – home, work, school, etc. Additionally, an individual is subject to an arrest if he or she is pulled over or has any type of encounter with law enforcement. In fact, it is the officer’s duty to immediately arrest this individual and put them into police custody.
Remember with either misdemeanor or felony arrest warrants issued, or in particular following an arrest, you need a top-notch criminal defense lawyer. Good legal representation is key to the outcome of your case and if you will make bail. Our Tampa, FL based attorneys are available 24/7 – contact us today.
Reasons to Issue Arrest Warrants
In the state of Florida, there are several reasons why an arrest warrant can be issued, some of which include:
- Capias or bench warrant
- Default warrant
- Probation warrant
- Community control warrant
- Fugitive warrant
- Governor’s warrant
All of the above grant police the authority to arrest and bring an accused criminal before a judge who will either set bond or require the accused be held without bail if considered a flight risk or a danger to the community.
After executing the warrant, police protocol is to interview the suspect; this is also known as an interrogation. Their goal is to obtain damaging statements or even a confession from the accused. Remember: you are NOT required to speak to anyone in law enforcement at any time during or after your arrest. In fact, we recommend you ask for and only speak with your attorney.
If you or someone you love has been arrested on a warrant, it is critical to contact a criminal defense attorney. Ben Stechschulte is knowledgeable and can protect the accused during any interviews that happen following an arrest. Our mission as your legal team is to ensure the arresting officers follow the appropriate arrest and arraignment procedures. Call our Tampa criminal defense law firm today at 813-280-1244.
Protecting Your Rights After an Arrest
Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side after a warrant arrest is critical to the outcome of your case. Not only does it prevent law enforcement from mistreating you or talking you into a confession, but it will also ensure that your constitutional rights are always be protected.
For more information on how our criminal defense lawyers in Tampa, FL can help, or to schedule a FREE case review, contact Stechschulte Nell Attorneys at Law at 813-280-1244.
