If you are worried that you have a warrant out for your arrest, but are not 100 percent sure, there are different ways to figure it out. Discovering whether a warrant has been issued for your arrest can be approached in various ways, each with its own considerations.
Ask the Police
The first option is to directly contact the police for information regarding any existing warrants. By visiting the local police station and inquiring about your status, you can determine if there is a warrant for your arrest. However, it’s important to note that approaching the police directly carries the risk of immediate arrest.
In such cases, you might be released on a promise to appear or an undertaking, but there is also the possibility of being held in custody until your court appearance or until bail is secured.
To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to seek the guidance of one of our criminal defence lawyers before contacting the police. They can inform you about your rights when interacting with law enforcement and provide appropriate guidance should an arrest warrant be discovered.
Criminal court clerk
Another option is to reach out to the criminal court clerk to inquire about the presence of a warrant. The court clerk can inform you about the charges against you and whether a warrant has been issued.
However, be aware that by making this inquiry at the courthouse, you run the risk of being arrested by a sheriff or police officer present at the time.
Hiring a criminal defence lawyer is often regarded as one of the most effective methods to determine the existence of an arrest warrant. Having a lawyer makes it easier for you because they will be the ones to investigate the matter on your behalf and determine if a warrant has been issued. This is the best way you can go about this process because a lawyer will help you understand the warrant status, assist in resolving the warrant and work towards avoiding unnecessary custody during legal proceedings.
If you are concerned that a warrant has been issued, we recommend reaching out to our office so one of our lawyers can help guide you through the process of addressing the warrant and the underlying charges.
Can I get rid of an arrest warrant?
An arrest warrant does not vanish over time. In Canada, an arrest warrant remains active until you address the matter or encounter the police resulting in an arrest. Merely evading the warrant and hoping it disappears will not work and may result in more trouble for you in the long run.
Unfortunately, turning yourself in is the only way to get rid a warrant, aside from being arrested. What happens after you surrender all depends on the severity of the charges. You may be released with a promise to appear in court or you could be held in custody until bail is granted or the matter is resolved.
This may not be something you are thinking about when considering turning yourself in, but we are telling you to fully consider the day you select. If you turn yourself in on Friday, you are more likely to be held over the weekend, until Monday, when bail hearings are available. Therefore, if you intend to lift your warrant, we suggest taking action early on a Monday, to avoid the potential of spending the weekend behind bars.
Can I get rid of a warrant without going to jail?
Many people will ask the question, ‘Can I get rid of a warrant without going to jail?’ and it is hard to answer this question without knowing the exact details of an individual’s charge. But hiring a lawyer gives you the best chance of lifting a warrant while minimizing or eliminating incarceration altogether.
If you have an outstanding arrest warrant, it is in your best interest to contact our office to consult one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers. They will assist you in resolving the warrant and strive to keep you out of custody whenever possible.