If you learn there’s a felony arrest warrant issued for you, it’s time to call a criminal defense attorney. You must protect yourself and be safe. And the best way to do that is for an experienced lawyer to arrange when and how you turn yourself in. From there, you can pursue a favorable resolution, but you don’t want a felony warrant hanging over you.
You have every right to be anxious and scared when you learn there’s a warrant for your arrest. The criminal process can be long and full of uncertainty since the outcome is unknown and may have long-lasting repercussions. When Luftman, Heck & Associates represent you, we will be with you every step of the way. We will answer your questions, speak honestly, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Call LHA today at (614) 500-3836 if you learn of a pending warrant for your arrest. We offer a free and confidential initial consultation, where we’ll discuss the situation and offer some guidance.
What Warrants Might Be Issued?
Ohio courts can issue bench and arrest warrants:
- Bench Warrants: A bench warrant involves failing to comply with a court order. It can be due to missed child support payments or a speeding ticket. With a bench warrant, the court is demanding your presence
- Arrest Warrants: An arrest warrant is for a specific criminal offense you are suspected of committing. They usually follow a grand jury indictment, but with compelling evidence, a judge can issue one without a grand jury
You don’t need to be told of the warrant. It may come as a complete surprise. Gov. Mike DeWine set up a Warrant Task Force to look at the issues the state’s facing. A May 2019 report stated, “…Ohio’s warrant system is fragmented, inconsistent, inefficient, and technologically obsolete.”
How Can a Warrant Result in My Arrest?
Law enforcement can find you and arrest you due to the warrant. Or they may encounter you for some reason. Many felony warrant arrests happen during routine traffic stops. You may identify yourself or show them your ID, and your name would appear as having the outstanding warrant.
When you’re taken into custody, you have a right to remain silent. Whatever you say can be used against you. You also have a right to have an attorney present during questioning.
Most critically, other than identifying yourself and giving your address, remain silent. If you want to talk to the police, contact LHA, and get legal representation. What you want to say may make your situation worse, not better.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be processed and released or held until you can post bail.
Why Should I Turn Myself In?
A recent incident shows why it’s much safer for you to turn yourself in than wait to be arrested. In Columbus in April, Miles Jackson was unconscious in his car, partially patted down, and brought to Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital’s emergency department by ambulance, reports the Columbus Dispatch.
Because of outstanding warrants, officers sought to take him into custody. Another search revealed a bullet in his pockets and a gun in the crotch of his pants. A struggle and standoff ensued. An officer tased him, Jackson fired his gun, and police fatally shot him.
It’s in everyone’s interest you turn yourself in if there’s a pending felony warrant for your arrest. Before you do, we’ll fully advise you of your rights, tell you what’s going to happen, and suggest what you should do. We can also go with you and observe what the police do.
Everything is going to be much more under control than if you’re arrested during a traffic stop. You won’t have to worry about your vehicle being searched or found with anything in your clothes. Being detained at the police station is much more likely to “go by the book.” You’ll be at much less risk of an officer becoming violent because he thinks you’re reaching for a gun.
No one wants to be arrested. But if it’s going to happen, your arrest should be as safe as possible. A lawyer can ensure you are protected and work to resolve the underlying issues on your behalf.
Contact LHA To Handle Your Warrant
If there’s an outstanding felony arrest warrant for you, contact the Columbus criminal defense attorneys with LHA today for a free initial consultation.
You call us at (614) 500-3836, email us at advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com, or contact us online 24 hours a day
Call Now (614) 500-3836