How Do Arrest Warrants in Alabama Work?

How do warrants in Alabama work?

Arrests can occur on the spot in some situations when officers witness a crime or under other exigent circumstances. However, in many cases, arrests stem from warrants that police officers obtain from judges. If you have questions about a warrant in Alabama or think you might have one out for your arrest, speak with a Montgomery criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. 

Types of Warrants In Alabama

Warrants are issued for a variety of reasons. Arrest warrants grant the state the power to put a citizen under arrest. Judges issue arrest warrants after police officers have established probable cause that an individual has committed a crime. Arrest warrants may also be issued after a grand jury returns an indictment. 

Bench warrants are issued if someone fails to appear during a court proceeding. Judges issue bench warrants, and these warrants may be issued if a citizen does not complete a sentence ordered by the court. Failing to pay fines and child support payments are also common reasons judges issue bench warrants. 

A suspect may have an active arrest warrant from another state than his or her state of residence. In this case, an extradition warrant may be issued, and this alerts law enforcement officers that the suspect needs to be taken into custody. 

Judges also issue arrest warrants for individuals who violate the terms of their probation. Some of the typical violations that may lead to an arrest warrant being issued including the following: 

• Being arrested for another criminal charge 
• Associating with criminals or undesirables 
• Not paying court-ordered fines 
• Not attending counseling sessions ordered by the court 
• Testing positive for drug or alcohol use 
• Not appearing in court for a scheduled appearance 
• Not reporting to a probation officer 

Addressing Arrest Warrants 

Both arrest warrants and bench warrants authorize law enforcement officers to arrest a suspect upon any encounter. Officers might show up at your home or workplace, or they might wait and arrest you if you are stopped while driving. You might get arrested in front of your family, neighbors, or coworkers, and you might have had no idea that a warrant even existed. 

A criminal defense lawyer can check to see if there is an active warrant for you. If so, they can help you address the matter proactively instead of waiting for an unfortunate police encounter. This might involve turning yourself in, but your attorney can take steps to ensure you are released as soon as possible, and, often, this can happen right away. This way, you can take control of the situation and not leave your fate in the hands of the police.

Warrants In Alabama: Contact a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer Today if You are Facing Criminal Charges 

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can help you understand if you have a warrant or if you were arrested on a defective warrant or invalid warrant. Contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. today to schedule a consultation. You deserve exceptional legal representation when you are facing criminal charges.