An active warrant is a document issued by a judge that orders law enforcement to arrest and bring an individual to jail. Warrants are usually issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date, but they may also be issued if the individual is suspected of committing a crime.
Individuals with active warrants should take the time to address them proactively. Warrants can have a significant impact on one’s life, both socially and professionally, and should be addressed in a timely and effective manner. Doing so is the best way to ensure that you can continue living your life without interruption.
Social Impact of Warrants
Warrants can have a significant social impact on an individual’s life. They are a public record, which means that they are accessible to friends, family, employers, and landlords. (Pretty much anyone, really.)
An individual with an active warrant may have difficulty finding a job or housing. In some cases, warrants can even lead to the loss of custody of one’s children. In short, warrants can have a major impact on every aspect of your life, and every moment that you allow it to hang in the balance sends a poor message to any of the gatekeepers with whom you come into contact.
Professional Impact of Warrants
Warrants can also have a major professional impact. Many licenses require individuals to maintain a clean criminal record and having an active warrant can jeopardize your ability to renew a license. For example, if you are a teacher and you have an active warrant, your teaching license may not be renewed.
In some cases, individuals with warrants may be placed on leave from their jobs or even fired. In some cases, you might even end up having a professional license suspended or losing it altogether, depending on what the affidavit and probable cause for issuing the warrant is. In short, these documents can create havoc on your ability to earn a living and support yourself and your family.
How Addressing an Active Warrant Affects Bail
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to address an active warrant before turning yourself in to authorities. One factor is the severity of the charge on the warrant.
A misdemeanor charge will have a lower bail amount than a felony charge. Another thing to consider is how long ago the warrant was issued. The older the warrant, the less likely it is that you will be arrested on the spot if you turn yourself in.
Additionally, if you have been pulled over for a traffic stop, your chances of being arrested on the spot are significantly higher than if you go to the police station voluntarily. However, even if you have been arrested immediately, there are still some things you can do to increase your chances of being released on bail.
For example, having family or friends with you who can vouch for your character and provide proof of employment or ties to the community can be helpful. Additionally, dressing professionally and speaking respectfully to law enforcement and court personnel can also create a more favorable impression when you show up to address the warrant.
Some courts even offer warrant amnesty days. Warrant amnesty is a program in which a court offers individuals the opportunity to clear outstanding warrants without facing additional penalties. In some cases, individuals may be able to get their charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
To take advantage of warrant amnesty, you must typically appear before a judge and plead guilty to the charge associated with the warrant. They will then be sentenced and may have to pay a fine or perform community service.
Amnesty days are often advertised in advance, so it’s important to check with your local court system to see if one is coming up soon. Alternatively, you can speak with an attorney who can help you determine if you’re eligible for amnesty and what the process entails.
Face Your Active Warrant Head On
Failing to address an active warrant can have serious consequences, both social and professional. If you have an active warrant, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
The sooner you address your warrant, the sooner you can put this matter behind you and get on with your life. Are you ready to take the next step? PCS Bail Bonds has more than 30 years of experience helping people with active warrants navigate the justice system, and we’re ready to put our expertise to work for you. Contact us today if you need assistance.