Florida is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country, whether visitors are coming to enjoy the thrill of Disney World and Universal Studios, traveling to bask in the sun at one of the state’s many beaches, or migrating to work on a temporary basis. With so many people coming and going, crimes are often committed by those who aren’t Florida residents. If you’re an out-of-state occupant with an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you may be curious about the forthcoming legal process and how you should proceed.
Even if you aren’t aware of the warrant and are no longer in the state, it’s important to note that outstanding warrants never expire. This may cause severe problems if left unaddressed, which makes consulting a criminal defense attorney imperative. If you’re an out-of-state resident with a Florida arrest warrant and have additional questions about next steps, help is right around the corner at The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has over 30 years of experience defending individuals charged with crimes in Florida. Contact Mr. Gabriel today!
What is an Arrest Warrant?
An arrest warrant is an official legal document that’s signed by a judge or magistrate that gives law enforcement the power to take you into custody. Warrants identify the crime for which an arrest has been authorized and may restrict how an arrest is made. Arrest warrants and bench warrants are two types of warrants that can land you in jail. Typically, an arrest warrant is used if the police suspect that you committed a crime, in which case they’ll file a petition with their local court to have the warrant issued.
Some warrants also specify the bail that you must post to regain freedom after the arrest. If the warrant is for a previous failure to appear in court—a bench warrant—it will likely specify that the arrested person cannot be released on bail. It’s also important to note that arrest warrants never expire. Warrants will remain active until you die or there’s another resolution. This could happen if you surrender yourself, charges are dropped, or you’re placed under arrest.
Can You Get Arrest for a Warrant in Another State?
The first question many people have if they have an out-of-state arrest warrant is if they can be arrested in another state. In general, this will depend on the type of crime the arrest warrant is concerning. For example, you’ll likely be arrested in another state if you have an arrest warrant for a felony crime.
For most misdemeanors, however, states will not extradite those who have been arrested. This means that if you happen to have a Florida warrant and you’re stopped in Georgia, for example, the authorities in Georgia may not execute the arrest. There is an exception if you have a sex-related misdemeanor, in which case police in other states may stop and arrest you.
You may also wonder how law enforcement knows about your warrant if you’re in another state. As soon as a warrant is issued, it’s also added to the FBI’s searchable database. Police officers are often equipped with technology that can scan license plates while driving through neighborhoods.
Contact an Experienced West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have a warrant against you, especially if it’s in another state, next steps can be confusing. That’s why it’s crucial that you get in touch with an experienced lawyer who can help. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has served the West Palm Beach community for more than 30 years as a criminal defense lawyer. He understands the intricacies of these cases and can guide you on the right course of action to protect your future.
Regardless of if you have an outstanding warrant for a felony or misdemeanor, it’s imperative that you work with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. The best decision you can make to protect your future, freedom, and reputation is to consult experienced and compassionate Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel. Call (561) 622-5575 or complete a contact form for a free consultation today.