Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”
When someone commits a criminal offense, and the police have a warrant for that person’s arrest, it is critical to act quickly and appropriately. If there is a warrant for your arrest, the last thing you need is to panic, run away, or make bad decisions that would negatively impact the outcome of your criminal case.
You should consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately to understand your rights and determine the best course of action when a warrant for your arrest has been issued.
A warrant for arrest is an official document issued and signed by a judge. The document authorizes the police to take the person named in the warrant into custody. Typically, arrest warrants contain information regarding the crimes that the suspect is charged with.
Do I Need to Turn Myself in if the Police Have a Warrant for My Arrest?
Yes, voluntarily turning yourself in when there is a warrant for your arrest may be a good idea for several reasons:
- First of all, you can avoid a “surprise arrest” at home, work, or public places and the embarrassment that comes with being arrested.
- Second of all, by turning yourself in, you demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with the police.
- Third of all, voluntarily surrendering could help you seek favorable consideration of your case.
What to Do if There is a Warrant for My Arrest?
Here are some actions to consider if there is a warrant for your arrest:
- Speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not talk to the police before you have a chance to consult with your lawyer.
- When turning yourself in, do not go to the police station without a lawyer. Your attorney will represent you during police interrogations, bond hearings, and other legal processes.
- Contact a bail bondsman if you do not have enough money to cover the full bond amount.
- When going to the police station to surrender, make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes. All you need to bring is your ID or driver’s license. Make sure that you do not accidentally take any illegal drugs or weapons with you.
- When you are at the police station, it is critical to stay calm. If you choose to turn yourself in without an attorney, avoid answering any questions. Instead, say, “I want to speak with my lawyer.” It is safe to answer questions regarding your identity and contact information (questions about your name, address, and phone number).
- Exercise your right to remain silent before you consult with your attorney.
Four Things to Avoid When the Police Have a Warrant for Your Arrest
Avoid the following mistakes if there is a warrant for your arrest:
- Do not attempt to evade the police or run away;
- Do not delay turning yourself in;
- Do not attempt to buy plane tickets after learning about the arrest warrant; and
- Do not go to the police station to turn yourself in without speaking with your attorney first.
Do not hesitate to contact our criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, if the police have a warrant for your arrest. Our knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers will help you understand your rights and options. Get a phone or video consultation by calling at (704) 370-2828 to speak with our detail-oriented and well-versed lawyers with offices in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Monroe, please contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today or find additional resources here.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights, and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
https://www.arnoldsmithlaw.com/police-searches-with-and-without-a-warrant.html
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https://www.freeimages.com/photo/police-on-the-scene-1245941
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