Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

Outstanding Arrest Warrants in Arizona - Get the Facts Before You Contact the Police Unrepresented.

"How to Get Your Arizona Arrest Warrant 'Quashed' (cancelled) by Retaining a AZ DUI or Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer."

Maricopa County Arrest Warrants
Do not ignore an outstanding arrest warrant in Arizona. This is every very serious matter with serious consequences. Arrest Warrants gives police the legal authority to detain and arrest you for a criminal, DUI, or other violations of the law. If you suspect you have an outstanding arrest warrant, you should immediately contact an Arizona criminal defense lawyer or DUI lawyer who defends cases in the jurisdiction where the arrest warrant exists.

How Long Arrest Warrants Remain In Effect
Indefinitely. Maricopa County Arrest Warrants remain in effect until they are taken care of in the eyes of the court and law enforcement officials. This is usually when 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.

Arrest Warrants don't just go away by themselves. They can't be "waited out". In Arizona, there are no expiration dates on outstanding arrest warrants. Defendants can be arrested decades later after being pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. Sooner or Later, it catches up.

How to find out if you have an Outstanding AZ arrest Warrant
There are a variety of ways to find out if you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest in Gilbert. But the fastest, safest, most reliable way is to consult a criminal defense lawyer or DUI lawyer who defends cases in the AZ jurisdiction where the arrest warrant existed. Your AZ Criminal Defense Lawyer will conduct a thorough search via their accessible legal resources, and advise you of the most current information available. Upon Retention, they will guide you through the steps that are in your best interest of what to do regarding the arrest warrant.

Common Types of Arrest Warrants in Maricopa County
Here are the most common types of Arizona "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 can be issued when police feel they have sufficient evidence to suspect a crime was or is being committed and that person was involved in the crime. Refer to A.R.S. Criminal Code Title 13 - Beginning with Article 7, 13-3881.

• Bench Arrest Warrants: These are arrest warrants issued by the Court. A Bench Warrant for arrest is issued when a defendant "fails to appear" for their scheduled criminal or DUI matter. You should retain an AZ DUI or criminal lawyer who will "tell your side of the story". They will present compelling arguments to the court regarding the reasons for your "failure to appear", plus build a solid defense for your AZ criminal or DUI charges. For more, refer to "failure to appear", reference A.R.S. Criminal Code Title 13-2506 Failure to appear in the second degree; classification 13-2507 Failure to appear in the first degree; classification..."

Options for Confronting an Arrest Warrant in Maricopa County

1) Pay the bond amount set by the judge. Once you pay the bond the warrant will be quashed. You will then be given a new court date if the warrant is for failure to appear. If you miss your court date again, the court will frown upon this, and order more severe penalties. You must appear for the newly assigned court date if you have not yet hired an Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer. They may be able to work something out with the court, negotiate an alternative arrangements more favorable arrangements or get the arrest warrant quashed completely with the court taking no further action against you resulting from the arrest warrant.

2) Appear before the judge during a "Walk-in Docket". The Courts within Maricopa County usually provide availability of dates and times for unscheduled court appearances called "Walk-in Dockets" that can be heard by the judge. If you choose this option, in the very least, you should consult an AZ criminal attorney to discuss the matter and how to proceed before you appear in court on a "Walk-in Docket" unrepresented.

3) This is the best way for you to handle an outstanding arrest warrant: Retain a private practice criminal defense attorney or DUI lawyer in the jurisdiction where the warrant exists. Remember, early retention is the key to a successful defense for any criminal, DUI charges or Arrest Warrants. Your Defense Attorney will advise you of the steps that should be taken that will be in your best interest. They will confirm the facts, and if retained, may be able to file a Motion to quash your warrant. Then, if hired they will begin working on a defense strategy for the AZ Criminal or DUI Charges.