Finding out you have an outstanding warrant can be scary. You may not know what to do or what steps to take next. Warrants can be issued for many reasons, including missed court dates or unpaid fines. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to take action right away. Understanding how to know if you have a warrant in New York can help you avoid additional legal complications in the future.
Warrants in New York
A warrant is a legal document signed by a judge that gives law enforcement authorities permission to perform a certain action. This action can be arresting an individual or searching an establishment. Warrants do not have an expiration date. Rather, they are given until the warrant is executed or deleted by the court. The most common types of warrants are:
- -Search warrants. This gives the authorities the right to search a property because there are grounds to believe there is evidence there related to a crime.
- -Bench warrants. This is given to individuals who failed to appear in court when they were scheduled to do so.
- -Arrest warrants. This is given on behalf of an individual who is reasonably believed to have committed a crime.
In New York City, the state’s most populous city, as of January 2024, there were over 1 million outstanding criminal warrants. These were as follows:
- -827,945 by the Summons Court
- -414,601 by the Criminal Court
- -48,705 by the Supreme Court
Checking for Warrants in New York
If you think you may have a warrant, it is important to act immediately. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to check to see if you have a warrant. This way, you can verify your status with the authorities.
First, you can contact your local criminal court. In New York City, you can learn more about arrest warrants by calling the Criminal Court’s information line or visiting the arrest office. If you opt to go in person, please bring accepted identification. Offices are normally open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also check your status by checking law enforcement websites. For example, Erie, Broom, and Washington Counties all have active warrant lists on their websites. These websites permit you to search for warrants by name. You may also be able to leave your contact information to request additional information.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) provides an avenue for requesting your criminal history record. This includes submitting fingerprints and a financial charge. The record will show if there are any outstanding warrants or other criminal history information associated with your identity.
Additionally, you want to make sure that you secure legal counsel, especially if it shows that you do have an outstanding warrant. A criminal lawyer can advise you on your next steps so you are properly informed on what to do next.
What To Do If You Have a Warrant
If you discover that you do have a warrant, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. You do not want to make any rash decisions, such as fleeing the state, even if the warrant is due to a misunderstanding, as that can result in further legal troubles.
Do not ignore the warrant. The warrant will not go away if you choose to do nothing about it. Essentially, you are likely just putting off the inevitable. This can lead to an unexpected arrest at an inconvenient time.
Consult an attorney right away. They can advise you on a suitable course of action for your particular situation and may even be able to negotiate on your behalf.
You may choose to voluntarily surrender yourself to law enforcement. This helps show initiative and may help your case later.
Finally, prepare as much as possible for court. Gather all the evidence you need to defend your case. Your attorney can inform you of everything you need. Be sure to attend all future court hearings and arrive on time. Showing favorable behavior may help you have reduced penalties in case you receive a conviction.
The Impact of a Warrant
Having an active warrant not only puts your criminal record at risk. There are additional penalties beyond the court. Individuals with warrants may face trouble with employment, as warrants may show up on background checks performed by employers.
If traveling, having an active warrant can lead to you being detained and deported, or refused to travel.
Additionally, in some instances, the severity of punishments may be increased the longer an individual waits to turn themselves in.
FAQs
Q: Can You Resolve a Warrant Without Turning Yourself In?
A: In some instances, you can resolve a warrant without turning yourself in. Depending on the type and nature of the warrant, your attorney may be able to help you resolve the issue without having to appear in court. However, not all courts allow this, especially for serious charges, so be sure to speak with your attorney about your options.
Q: What Happens If I’m Unaware of a Warrant and Get Stopped by the Police?
A: If you are unaware you have a warrant and get stopped by the police, they will likely arrest you. They have the legal right and obligation to do so, whether you were aware of the warrant or not. This can result in prompt custody and transfer to the appropriate jurisdiction. That is why it is critical to verify your status on a regular basis and address any warrants before encountering unforeseen situations.
Q: Will I Be Notified If I Have a Warrant in New York?
A: If a warrant is issued against you in New York, you will most likely be told indirectly. Bench or arrest warrants may be issued without your knowledge, particularly for missing court dates or unpaid fines. This is why, if you feel there is a legal concern, you should check your status ahead of time.
Contact The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
If you believe that you have an outstanding warrant, act fast. If you discover that you do have a warrant, a criminal lawyer in NYC at The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, is here to assist. Contact us today for more information.
