Criminal Defense Lawyers

What Should I Do if There is a Warrant Out for My Arrest in NYC?

What Should I Do if There is a Warrant Out for My Arrest in NYC?

We get it – finding out there’s a warrant out for your arrest is scary. Your mind is probably racing with questions and uncertainty about what happens next. Just take a deep breath – this article will walk you through the key things you need to know and do if you have an active arrest warrant in NYC.

Confirm if There is Actually a Warrant

The first thing you’ll want to do is confirm if there is actually an active warrant or if it’s just a rumor or misunderstanding. You can call the NYPD warrant squad at 646-610-5906 to inquire if there is an outstanding warrant in your name. They should be able to look it up in their system and confirm if a warrant exists or not.

If they do confirm an active warrant, don’t panic. There are still steps you can take to address the situation.

Understand the Warrant and Charges

If there is a confirmed warrant, you’ll want to get as much information about it as possible so you understand what you’re dealing with. Key things to find out:

• What are the actual charges or alleged violations? – Is it a bench warrant for missing a court date, an arrest warrant related to an alleged crime, a violation of probation or parole, etc? Knowing the charges is key.
• What court or law enforcement agency issued the warrant? – Warrants can be issued by different courts and agencies depending on the violations or charges. This impacts how and where you may be able to address it.
• Is there bail, and if so, how much? – Many warrants have preset bail amounts that you may be able to post to get released if arrested. Understanding the bail implications can help guide next steps.

Consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney

Before doing anything else, it’s highly recommended to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after discovering the warrant. An experienced attorney can review the warrant details, charges, and case specifics to advise you on all available options and the smartest path forward considering the situation.

Some key things a lawyer can help with:

• Negotiating Surrender Terms – Rather than get unexpectedly arrested on the warrant, an attorney can often negotiate with the court/law enforcement agency to arrange an organized, peaceful self-surrender on agreed upon terms. This allows you to handle the situation with more control and dignity.
• Guiding Bail and Release Strategy – If bail is already set on the warrant, the lawyer can advise if it makes sense to pay it immediately upon arrest or argue for bail modifications like reduced payment options. If no bail is set yet, they can guide bail arguments.
• Assessing Defense Strategy – For warrants related to alleged crimes, an attorney is key for building a defense by assessing the prosecution’s case, key evidence, identifying witnesses, etc. This can start right away.
• Weighing Options – A lawyer can objectively weigh the risks and benefits of different options like coming forward immediately vs waiting, paying bail now vs later, going to trial vs attempting plea bargains, etc based on the charges and your specific situation. Their legal expertise is invaluable for mapping out a strategy.

Bottom line – their counsel and representation can influence the outcome so consulting an attorney should be a top priority. Public defenders are an option if you cannot afford private counsel.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Consider Turning Yourself In

In some cases, voluntarily surrendering on an outstanding warrant can positively influence how your case progresses. It shows the court you are taking it seriously and not trying to evade responsibility. An attorney can negotiate ideal surrender terms like where/when you’ll come in, arrangements for initial bail payment if needed, etc. They may even be able to get the warrant lifted so you don’t have to be arrested.

Seek Warrant Recall

If the warrant is for a minor offense or there are good reasons why it should be revoked, your attorney may be able to file a motion to recall the warrant with the court and get it canceled before an arrest. Whether this is an option depends on the case specifics and judges discretion.

Don’t Ignore It

It can be tempting to want to ignore or run from an outstanding warrant, but this will only make things exponentially worse. The warrant will not just go away on its own. And if you get arrested on it unexpectedly, you lose all control over the situation and the outcome may be much harsher. Taking proactive steps is key.

Understand the Consequences

The potential consequences largely depend on the charges and whether it relates to an alleged crime, missed court date, parole violation, etc. Some warrants allow for bail and release in 12-24 hours after arrest, while others may result in prolonged jail time. An attorney can advise on likely outcomes based on the details of your specific case. Know that proactively addressing it typically leads to better consequences.

FAQ

Can I get arrested on a warrant anywhere, or just in the county it was issued?

Warrants issued in NYC are enforceable anywhere in New York state. So yes, even if you travel outside NYC or the 5 boroughs, you can still be arrested if stopped by law enforcement who find the warrant.

How long do warrants last in NYC if I lay low and avoid arrest?

There is no statute of limitation on outstanding warrants, so they remain valid indefinitely until the issuing court/agency withdraws it or you are arrested. Some very old minor warrants do get periodically dropped from the system, but for more serious offenses warrants will remain active for years.

If arrested, would I get released quickly on a minor NYC warrant?

Not necessarily. Even if the original violations were minor, failure to appear on the warrant or ignoring it can be treated harshly itself. And courts tend to set higher bail on outstanding warrants even for minor charges compared to if you had showed up initially.

Can I find out online if I have a warrant in NYC?

Unfortunately there is no official public online database to search for outstanding warrants in New York state or NYC specifically. Checking with the NYPD warrant squad by phone is your best option to inquire about active warrants. Some commercial background check services also provide warrant checks, but the information may not be reliable or up-to-date.

In Conclusion

Discovering there’s a warrant out for your arrest is jolting news, but staying calm and taking proactive legal steps is vital. Confirm details on the warrant, consult with a criminal lawyer right away, weigh the option of organized surrender, and understand your options clearly. While frightening, thousands resolve warrants in NYC every year through proper legal guidance. This situation truly calls for “hope for best, prepare for worst”. With smart strategy and support, the outcome can be managed.

Resources

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in New York City – CityLand NYC
https://www.citylandnyc.org/resources/how-to-find-out-if-you-have-a-warrant-in-new-york-city/

Warrants – NYC Criminal Court
https://www.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/criminal/warrants.shtml

When You Need a Lawyer to Recall a Warrant in New York
https://www.new-york-lawyers.org/recall-a-warrant.html

Voluntarily Surrendering on an Outstanding Warrant – Shouse California Law Group
https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/blog/warrants/voluntarily-surrendering-on-an-outstanding-warrant/

How to Get a Warrant Recalled in California – Legal Beagle
https://legalbeagle.com/8481504-warrant-recalled-california.html