How Do I Find Out if I Have an Arrest Warrant?

Arrest warrants are serious and if not handled properly, they can follow you around for the rest of your life. Our Atlanta criminal defense lawyer can help you determine if there is a warrant for your arrest.

There are many reasons a warrant may be issued for your arrest. You may have failed to appear in court, or law enforcement may have laid charges against you, but they are unable to find you. Whatever the reason is, it is crucial that you determine if there is a warrant for your arrest, and then take the necessary steps so that you are not running from it in the years to come.

How to Determine if There is a Warrant for Your Arrest

A warrant is a document issued by the court that allows police to take a specific action. The two most common types of warrants are arrest warrants and search warrants, although there are others, as well. If a warrant for your arrest exists, it means law enforcement must arrest you if they can locate you.

In Atlanta, there are several ways to determine if you have an arrest warrant. You can visit the website for the municipal court of Atlanta, or you can phone the Warrant Department at 404-658-6959 to learn of any arrest warrants issued against you. You can also call your local police department and ask if there is an arrest warrant for you. If there is, law enforcement will have to arrest you if they can locate you.

Who Issues Arrest Warrants?

Fortunately, in Georgia, as throughout the rest of the country, police officers are not allowed to simply arrest anyone they wish. Before an arrest can be made, law enforcement must ask a judge to sign the arrest warrant.

The only exception to this is when law enforcement suspects a motorist of driving under the influence. When a person is suspected of a DUI, law enforcement can make an arrest right at the scene. The proximity of the vehicle may allow a suspect to drive away while law enforcement tries to obtain an arrest warrant and so, an exception is made. Police officers also do not need a search warrant to search a vehicle involved in a suspected DUI. However, in the case of both arrest and search warrants, law enforcement must still have probable cause to take either action.

A judge or grand jury will issue an arrest warrant only after an investigation has been conducted. The investigation must also reveal evidence that provides probable cause that the individual in question broke the law.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Atlanta Can Help With Your Charges

Whether you have an arrest warrant, or you need to determine if there is one against you, our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers can help. At Ghanayem & Rayasam, our skilled attorneys have helped many clients beat their charges, and we want to put that experience to work for you. Call us today at (404) 561-0202 or contact us online to get the legal help you need.