Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

Arrest Warrants - Facts You Should Know about Outstanding Arrest Warrants in Phoenix AZ

"How Good Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers Quash Phoenix Arrest Warrants"
Find out if you have an outstanding arrest warrant

There are a variety of ways to find out if you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. However, the safest, most reliable way is to contact a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer or Phoenix DUI lawyer to find out. Simply let them know that you suspect there may be one and why. A criminal defense Attorney who defends charges in Phoenix will conduct a search through their accessible legal resources, then advise you of the most accurate and current information available.

Types of Arrest Warrants used in Phoenix AZ
In general there are two types of "arrest warrants":
• Police Arrest Warrants: These are arrest warrants issued by Police or Law Enforcement Agencies in order to detain or arrest someone. An arrest warrant is issued when a crime is committed and there is a reasonable belief, substantiated by enough evidence to suspect that someone committed or was involved in a crime.
• Bench Arrest Warrants: These are warrants issued by the Phoenix Court Judge. A bench warrant is issued against a defendant if they failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance for their criminal or DUI matter. There are a multitude of reasons why a person may have failed to appear in court as previously scheduled. Some better than others. But in any event it is best to retain a criminal defense attorney who will tell your side of the story, present a compelling argument on your behalf, for the matter. They will usually be able to defend you for the initial charges as well.

Defense Options for Facing Arrest Warrants in Phoenix AZ
Do not ignore an arrest warrant. It is a very serious matter. They don't just go away by themselves. Some people are arrested decades later upon being stopped for a minor traffic violation or other matter. Sooner or later you will be picked up and arrested. In Arizona there are no expiration dates on an outstanding arrest warrant. If you have a warrant it will remain outstanding until either the bond is posted or the judge decides to "quash" or cancel it. The judge may require a bond be posted before canceling the warrant. So it is best to be make arrangements in advance to post a bond for your court appearance.

1) The first option you have is to pay the bond amount set by the judge. Once you pay the bond amount, the warrant will be quashed and you will be given a new court date if the warrant is for failure to appear. You must appear on the new scheduled court date if you have not hired a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer who may be able to make other more favorable arrangements on your behalf. If you miss your court date again, or cause further delays, the more harshly you will be treated by the court and the more severe your penalties will be.

2) The second option is to appear before the judge during the Walk-in Docket. Phoenix Court usually provides a daily time for defendants who need to make unscheduled court appearances. Unscheduled appearances are heard only at specified times available by the Phoenix AZ Court. In the least you should consult a Phoenix AZ criminal attorney to discuss your matter and how to proceed given your defense options.

3) The third option is the best way for you to deal with an arrest warrant: Retain a private practice Phoenix criminal attorney or Phoenix DUI lawyer. As soon as you find out, one exists early retention is the key to a successful defense. This is the time frame where you most likely will have the most defense options. Your Phoenix criminal lawyer will confirm the facts, and if retained, can file a Motion to quash your warrant. At that point they can also begin tailoring a solid defense strategy for your Phoenix Criminal or Phoenix DUI charges.