By Attorney James Czarnecki|Czarnecki & Taylor PLLC|March 31, 2024
Since a warrant is an order to take someone into custody, it’s important to know if you’re wanted by the law. Frequently clients contact us concerned that there is an active warrant for their arrest. They often ask, “How do I find out if I have a Michigan warrant?” or “how long to Michigan warrants last?” Finding out whether you have an outstanding warrant can be done if you if you know what to do. Have you been wondering if you have a warrant out for your arrest? Wondering what to do next? If this is something that has been on your mind, then it’s time to find out.
Tips on how you can find out if there’s a warrant for your arrest.
Once an arrest warrant is issued, law enforcement officials have the authority to arrest you at any time and place. They may come to your home, place of work, or even approach you during a routine traffic stop. It’s important to be prepared for the possibility of being taken into custody if a warrant has been issued.
1. Call the police department or court
If you want to find out if you have a Michigan warrant, you can call the local law enforcement agency and ask whether they have any warrants issued for your arrest. When you call the police department, you will need to give them your personal information or show up in person.
The problem with this method is that most police departments will not give you this information over the phone. The police will ask you to come to the police department to do the warrant check in person. If you have an active warrant and show up at a police department, you will get arrested in the lobby.
You can also call the court where you believe the warrant had been issued. The court clerks may or may not give you this information over the phone. The court representative will not provide specific details about the alleged offense or the evidence against you. Their primary role is to assist you in determining whether a warrant has been issued and provide relevant information regarding its status. However, just like the police, the court clerks may ask you to go to the court to see if you have a warrant. You risk being arrested at the courthouse.
You may be able to go to the court’s website to see if there is an active warrant for your arrest. The information may be listed in the docket entries. However, the information varies from court to court. You can try your search at the state courts website.
2. Check Online
There are websites that claim to provide this information for you. They will cost you money. The problem with these websites is that they are most often accurate. Be aware that many of these websites represent themselves as “official” government agencies, but they are not. So, be careful because this method is not reliable.
3. Hire an attorney
The safest and most efficient method to find out if you have a warrant is to hire an attorney. An attorney has access to many resources that they can rely on to find out if you have a Michigan warrant for your arrest.
The police will arrest you if they have a warrant for your arrest, but you can avoid that by contacting an attorney who can make arrangements to avoid that situation. Your attorney can make arrangements with the police or court so that you will not be arrested at home, work, or during a traffic stop. An attorney can arrange a voluntary turn-in at a time of your choosing to avoid those situations.
4. What should you do if you find out there is a warrant for your arrest?
If you do find that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you have the option of turning yourself into the police department. However, it is best not to go alone. You can be accompanied by someone you trust who will post bond for you if possible. Your best option is to have an attorney who can help get you released from jail.
5. What if a warrant can’t be located but the police are looking for you?
If an active warrant cannot be located at a court and you are aware the police are looking to speak with you, this usually means that the police have probable cause to arrest you. Essentially, the police have investigated and met the legal standard to arrest you for a crime. You should hire an attorney to speak with the police for you.Learn more about why you should clear your Michigan arrest warrant.
The Role of a Lawyer to Help You Find Out If You Have a Michigan Warrant
Understanding the pivotal role of a lawyer in identifying arrest warrants is essential for anyone facing potential legal issues. Here’s how a lawyer can assist:
- Immediate Risk-Free Inquiry:
- Lawyers can directly contact the police or court to inquire about an arrest warrant without exposing you to any risk.
- Negotiating Surrender and Release:
- Arrange a safe and controlled surrender to the police.
- Negotiate release conditions, including bail, to ensure minimal disruption to your life.
- Legal Guidance and Defense Preparation:
- Offer advice on the best course of action based on the specifics of the warrant.
- Assist in preparing a defense by obtaining precise charges and gathering evidence
- Negotiate terms of surrender and be present during questioning to safeguard your rights.
A lawyer’s involvement ensures a smoother process, from surrender to post-arrest, effectively reducing the risk of harm and potentially influencing court perceptions favorably.
Common Challenges in Identifying Arrest Warrants Without Legal Help
Identifying arrest warrants without legal assistance often leads to common challenges that can complicate an individual’s situation. Here are some key points to consider:
- Lack of Awareness: Many individuals are unaware that arrest warrants can be issued without their knowledge, for reasons such as suspicion of a crime, failure to appear in court, or unpaid fines.
- Searching for Warrants:
- Online Searches: Government websites and online public record databases offer resources to check for outstanding warrants. However, these databases might not always be up-to-date or comprehensive.
- Direct Inquiries: Visiting the county courthouse or calling the court directly are options, though it’s advised not to identify oneself when inquiring about a warrant over the phone. Specific identification, like a driver’s license, may be required for accessing information in some jurisdictions.
- Potential Complications:
- Encounters with law enforcement, such as traffic stops or airport security checks, can unexpectedly bring an outstanding warrant to light.
- Utilizing third-party services for a warrant search might offer convenience but can also lead to incomplete results or privacy concerns.
Understanding these challenges highlights the importance of seeking professional legal help when suspecting an arrest warrant, ensuring accurate information and guidance through the process.
It is not good to wait until the police show up at your door to find out if you have a warrant. An attorney will help avoid this situation. It is always best to quickly remove your warrant.
Contact Czarnecki & Taylor
As a law firm specializing in criminal defense, we are committed to providing proactive legal services that help you take control of your situation and overcome your legal challenges. Whether you have an active warrant out for your arrest or are struggling with other legal issues related to criminal law, we can work closely with you to develop personalized solutions that meet your specific needs. Our team of experienced lawyers has a deep understanding of the laws pertaining to outstanding warrants.
At Czarnecki & Taylor, we understand that having an outstanding arrest warrant can be stressful and frightening. So we offer compassionate support throughout every step of the process and will work diligently to help you resolve your legal issues quickly and effectively.
Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to providing personalized legal services that consider all the unique factors involved in your case, including the charges against you and any previous criminal history you may have.
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony, we will review all available evidence in your case and develop strong legal strategies tailored to meet your individual needs. We can also assist with obtaining low bonds for our clients by working closely with judges and prosecutors.
If you are ready to take control of your situation and work with a law firm that can help you proactively handle your outstanding arrest warrant and get a low or personal bond in Michigan, contact our team today for more information.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation, contact Czarnecki & Taylor at (586) 718-2345 – 24/7 or use our online contact form.