Do You Have an Out of State Warrant? This Post is for You

Finding out that you have an out-of-state warrant can be alarming. You might not even be aware of it until you apply for a new job, go through a routine traffic stop, or try to renew your driver’s license.

 

Regardless of how you find out, ignoring it is not an option. Warrants don’t just go away. The longer you wait, the worse the consequences can be.

 

People can get an out-of-state warrant for several reasons. Since laws vary from state to state, dealing with an out-of-state warrant can be complicated. This is why hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney is essential. They can help you understand your legal options and work toward a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

 

If you suspect or know you have an outstanding warrant in another state, here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Out-of-State Warrant?

 

An out-of-state warrant is a legal order issued by a court in one state for someone who is currently located in another. These warrants are typically entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, allowing law enforcement agencies across the country to access them.

 

There are two main types of out-of-state warrants:

 

• Arrest Warrants – Issued when law enforcement believes you have committed a crime and need to be taken into custody.
• Bench Warrants – Issued when you fail to appear in court, pay fines, or comply with court orders.

 

What Happens If You Ignore an Out-of-State Warrant?

 

• You Could Be Arrested at Any Time – If the warrant is in the system, law enforcement in your current state can arrest you during a routine traffic stop or background check.
• Your Driver’s License Could Be Suspended – Many states share information, and a warrant in one state can prevent you from renewing your license in another.
• You Might Face Extradition – If the warrant is serious enough, authorities in the issuing state can request your return, leading to jail time and additional legal complications.
• Your Case Could Get Worse – Failing to address a warrant can lead to additional charges, higher fines, and a more complicated legal process.

 

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

 

1. Verify the Warrant – A lawyer can confirm if a warrant exists, what it’s for, and how serious it is.
2. Negotiate on Your Behalf – They can reach out to the issuing state to discuss options like recalling the warrant, avoiding extradition, or reducing penalties.
3. Prevent Immediate Arrest – In some cases, an attorney can arrange for you to appear in court voluntarily rather than being arrested.
4. Work Toward Dismissing or Reducing Charges – If there’s a legal way to fight the charges, a skilled lawyer will explore those options.

 

Steps to Take If You Have an Out-of-State Warrant

 

1. Confirm the Warrant – If you suspect you have a warrant, don’t guess. Contact a lawyer to verify it.
2. Avoid Travel to the Issuing State – If you have a warrant in another state, traveling there increases your risk of arrest.
3. Do Not Ignore It – Acting quickly can prevent the situation from escalating.
4. Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney – They can guide you through the process and help you resolve the warrant in the best possible way.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Dealing with an out-of-state warrant can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. The key is to take action as soon as possible. If you have an outstanding warrant in another state, don’t wait until it catches up with you.

 

Contact a lawyer today and take control of the situation before it takes control of you. A criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process, explore your options, and work toward a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.