The court can issue a warrant against you for various reasons. When you suspect that the court has issued a warrant against you, authorizing the police to arrest you, the sooner you know, the better. If you know you have an active warrant issued against you, you can surrender yourself to the police or post bail on time to remain out of custody as your case continues.
In both of these instances, you could also increase your chances of securing a dismissal of the alleged case or securing an own recognizance release (pretrial release without bail). Knowing about active arrest warrants issued against you could also help lessen the stress that an unsuspected arrest could cause in your life.
Therefore, whether you skipped a scheduled court hearing for a speeding ticket or are facing a more grave crime, it is paramount that you carefully check for any active warrants issued against you without delay.
Understanding What a Warrant Check is and How to Check for Active Warrants
A warrant check is a vital service that allows you to verify whether you have any active warrants issued against you. Warrants can be issued for various reasons, including unpaid fines, skipping bail, or any other legal matter. Regardless of the reasons, conducting a warrant check in advance could help you avoid unnecessary legal complications or unexpected detentions.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department maintains an online warrant information database that can tell you when you have an outstanding warrant. Using the Superior Court’s online search system, you can also access the court’s records to determine whether you have an active search warrant under your name.
Many prefer to check for outstanding warrants through the court’s online search system because it allows discreet searching from home without immediately alerting law enforcement agencies to the inquiry.
While it is a cost-free online resource that only requires your personal information, the warrant check process can be daunting and confusing. Many people are unsure of the steps they should take when they realize an outstanding warrant has been issued against them.
Instead of taking the right step, you could become anxious and fearful about the warrant and likely attempt to actively avoid the arrest because you do not understand your options. That is where the services of a bail bondsman become vital. By allowing a seasoned bail bondsman to perform a cost-free warrant check for you, you will be certain that he/she can deal with it the right way.
For example, the bail bondsman could recommend that you hand yourself in or post bail to remain out of legal custody as your case continues. Below are the steps for performing a warrant check:
- Call a reliable bail bondsman — Having a reliable and seasoned bail bondsman on your side can help make the warrant check process seamless
- Provide your information — The bail bondsman could require you to share your date of birth, legal name, and relevant details
- Database search — Your bail bondsman will conduct a thorough search using authorized access to Superior Court records, Sheriff’s office logs, and police databases
- Report and guidance — The bail bondsman will give you feedback on whether active warrants exist and relevant advice on how to handle the matter
If you have an active warrant issued against you, the steps you take will determine the outcome of your case. Here are the steps to take when you discover an outstanding warrant issued against you:
- Do ignore it — While it could be tempting to ignore it and hide because you are not yet arrested, doing so will only complicate your case and increase your possible penalties
- Consult with a credible attorney and bail bondsman — A bail bondsman can offer you bail bond services to secure your pretrial release if arrested, but you will rely on your attorney for proper legal representation
- Follow the court’s instructions — When you secure your freedom on bail, comply with all your pretrial release conditions, including attending all your scheduled court appearances
Information You Need When Checking for Active Warrants
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, you will need to provide certain information when checking for an active arrest warrant. Gathering and preparing this evidence in advance is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome. Examples of this information include the following:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN), if required by the system
- Your legal name
- Date of birth
- Your full legal name as it appears in your official documents and any known aliases
Having all this information in handy helps ensure an accurate and thorough warrant search process. Identifying an active warrant issued in your name necessitates prompt intervention to mitigate further legal complications. An active warrant does not lapse with the passage of time and remains enforceable until addressed by judicial action.
Resolving an active warrant depends on the underlying facts of the case and the specific classification of the judicial warrant. While certain circumstances permit voluntary appearance and prompt release, others require posting bail or remaining in detention during ongoing proceedings.
What Can Happen When I Ignore an Active Warrant?
Knowing you do not have an outstanding warrant in your name gives you peace of mind, since you have no pending legal issues. However, when you find out about an active warrant and decide to ignore it, that decision could result in:
- Increased court fines
- Unexpected arrests at work, home, or during routine encounters
- Probation violation charge, which could attract longer jail time
Your attorney or bail bondsman will advise you on the appropriate steps to take when you discover an outstanding warrant under your name.
Find a Licensed Bail Bondsman Near Me
If you suspect that you likely have an active warrant issued under your name, consulting with an attorney and a bail bondsman could help.
At Balboa Bail Bonds, we will help you determine whether you have an active warrant under your name and offer you bail bond services to secure your pretrial release immediately as your case continues. We invite you to call us at 619-760-2222 to schedule your appointment, wherever you are in California.