How to Avoid Arrest on a Warrant and Arraignment

When a judge arraigns someone on an outstanding felony or misdemeanor warrant, they might set a bond that can be difficult or impossible to pay. An experienced lawyer will know how to secure a low or personal bond.

What You Need to Know About Arrest Warrants and Bond

Facing arrest is scary, and anyone facing the prospect of police officers taking them into custody is likely to have many questions regarding arrest warrants and bonds. Here is what you need to know.

Types of Arrest Warrants

Complaint and Warrant – This is an arrest warrant issued in conjunction with filing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The issuance of an arrest warrant is the first step in a criminal prosecution.
Bench Warrant – This is the type of warrant for a person’s arrest that is typically issued for a defendant released on bail but later failed to appear in court. A bench warrant is often called a Capias Warrant (especially in Wayne County, Michigan).
Fugitive Warrant – A fugitive warrant is a warrant sent from another state when the suspect is believed to be in a local jurisdiction.
Governor’s Warrant – A warrant issued by the governor to arrest a person wanted in another state for extradition.
Material Witness Warrant – A warrant issued for a witness who does not cooperate with a validly authorized subpoena.

“What if a warrant is issued for my arrest?”

The criminal prosecution has commenced, and charges have been filed in court if a warrant is issued for a person’s arrest. The only way to get this type of warrant set aside (canceled) is for the defendant to come to court and be arraigned. An arraignment is when the defendant comes before a judge or magistrate who sets a bond or amount of bail. Bond or bail can be personal, meaning the defendant does not need to post money to secure their release from jail. It can also require a cash deposit with the court or the type of bond a bail bonds person posts (frequently called a surety bond). Getting a low or personal bond is most likely with the assistance of an experienced defense lawyer with a track record of successfully arguing for low bond amounts and personal recognizance bonds. When you are concerned with arrest warrants and bonds, it is best to seek the advice of experienced defense counsel.

An “Arrest Warrant” Does Not Require an Arrest

Without an attorney, an arrest is an eventual certainty. An experienced lawyer can often arrange a court appearance before the police arrest their client, so the court doesn’t issue a warrant. If bail is set and posted before an arrest, the defendant will not have to be taken into custody; however, the Court might still require fingerprints and photographs. Generally, bond or bail posted with a court gets returned at the end of the case. A defendant appears before a judge or magistrate who deals with arrest warrants and bonds.

The Key is Keeping the Defendant Out of Custody

A top criminal defense lawyer knows that keeping a client free on bond is often the key to a successful defense. A defendant on bond can work, take care of family, be productive, participate in therapy, get medical help, and assist in their defense. A defendant who sits and rots in jail pending trial has no way to show the court that they can be law-abiding. Being stuck in jail makes assisting defense counsel burdensome and complicated. A defense attorney must do everything reasonably possible to achieve a personal bond or, at a minimum, an affordable bond. Only a respected, influential defense attorney should handle the complex issues involving arrest warrants and bonds.

Surrender on a Warrant

The voluntary act of self-surrendering on an arrest warrant can make a huge difference in the outcome of a case, the amount of the bond, plea options, the sentence imposed, and more. The only intelligent way to self-surrender is with a retained defense attorney. Going alone is a recipe for disaster and may result in the defendant’s incarceration in jail for months awaiting trial. A lawyer with experience dealing with arrest warrants and bonds will know how to proactively prepare for the arraignment, advocate for a low bond, gather evidence favorable to pretrial release, and take various other measures to keep the client out of custody.

Successfully Avoiding Arrest on a Warrant

Perhaps the most self-destructive thing a defendant can do is avoid arrest and not face a criminal charge. The truth is that warrants never expire. The bond amount will be higher when the court believes the defendant intentionally or knowingly avoided prosecution. A popular misconception is that if a person leaves the state long enough, the statute of limitations will bar a prosecution. This is not true. Under Michigan law, the Statute of Limitation’s clock stops when someone leaves the state.

“If I have a warrant, can I be extradited?”

Extradition is when an individual is transferred from one state to another based on a felony warrant. A person can be extradited if they have an out-of-state felony warrant. If arrested, the person is brought before a judge and advised of a felony warrant in another state. The arrestee can either agree to the extradition or fight it. The only two avenues of fighting the extradition are claiming the person is not the individual named in the warrant or that the warrant is invalid. A skilled defense lawyer will know how to request a bond on an extradition case. It is possible to secure the defendant’s release so they can voluntarily appear on the case in the state where the charge is pending.

Once a person waives their right to contest extradition or if the individual is determined to be the correct defendant after a hearing, the state with the felony warrant has 30 days to pick up the detained individual. In some circumstances, a state can seek an extension of up to 60 additional days.

Bond in the United States Federal District Court

In federal cases, arrest warrants and bonds are handled differently. A bond is frequently personal (known in federal court as an unsecured bond), or a bond is not even set, and the defendant is detained. In other words, release on bond is denied. The defense lawyer standing next to and fighting for their client is frequently the only thing standing in the way of the United States Attorney successfully seeking detention. The simple truth is that the better the lawyer, the better the chance that the defendant will be released on bond.

Staying Out of Jail and Free on Bond

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has represented thousands of clients at arraignment hearings and achieved personal recognizance bonds. In those cases where a cash or surety bond cannot be avoided, we have the expertise, credibility, and know-how to convince a court to set a bond at an affordable amount. We have decades of experience helping clients with arrest warrants and bonds. We can help you too!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.