What to Do If You Have a Warrant in Florida
Introduction
Discovering that you have an active warrant for your arrest can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether the warrant is for a missed court date, unpaid fines, or a criminal charge, taking the right steps immediately can help you avoid serious legal consequences.
This guide explains the different types of warrants in Florida, how to find out if you have a warrant, and what to do next.
Types of Warrants in Florida
There are several types of warrants that may be issued against you, depending on the situation.
1. Arrest Warrants
🚨 Issued when law enforcement has probable cause that you committed a crime.
✔️ A judge must approve and sign the warrant.
✔️ You can be arrested at home, work, or during a traffic stop.
2. Bench Warrants
🚨 Issued when you fail to appear in court or violate a court order.
✔️ Common in traffic, misdemeanor, and failure-to-pay cases.
✔️ Even minor offenses can result in an arrest.
3. Probation Violation Warrants
🚨 Issued when you violate the terms of probation.
✔️ These are considered serious and can result in immediate arrest.
✔️ You may not be eligible for bond.
4. Failure to Pay Warrants
🚨 Issued for unpaid court fines, child support, or restitution.
✔️ Even if you were unaware of the debt, you can still be arrested.
5. Search Warrants
🚨 Issued when law enforcement has probable cause to search your home, car, or property.
✔️ Officers must present a valid warrant before conducting a search.
How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Florida
If you suspect there is a warrant for your arrest, you should act quickly. Here are some ways to check:
✔️ Search Online – Many Florida counties have warrant look-up tools on their sheriff’s office website.
✔️ Call the Clerk of Court – The county court where your case was filed may have warrant information.
✔️ Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney – A lawyer can discreetly check for warrants and advise on the best course of action.
✔️ Ask a Bail Bondsman – Some bail bonds companies have warrant search services.
🚨 Do NOT call the police to ask about a warrant—they may track your location and arrest you immediately.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant
If you find out that there is an active warrant against you, take the following steps immediately:
1. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
✔️ A lawyer can verify the warrant and negotiate your surrender.
✔️ They may be able to quash the warrant (get it dismissed).
✔️ They can negotiate bail or pretrial release options.
2. Do NOT Ignore the Warrant
🚨 Ignoring a warrant makes the situation worse.
✔️ You may face additional charges for evasion.
✔️ You could be arrested at work, home, or in front of family.
3. Arrange for a Voluntary Surrender (If Necessary)
✔️ If the warrant is serious, your attorney may coordinate a controlled surrender.
✔️ Turning yourself in voluntarily may help with bond and sentencing.
4. Prepare for a Bail Hearing
✔️ Your lawyer can request a bond hearing to secure your release.
✔️ Some warrants allow for immediate bond payment at the time of surrender.
Can You Avoid Arrest If You Have a Warrant?
🚨 Yes, in some cases. Your attorney may be able to:
✔️ File a Motion to Quash the Warrant – If there is no legal basis for the warrant, it may be dismissed.
✔️ Negotiate with the Prosecutor – If it’s a minor offense, the prosecutor may agree to drop the warrant in exchange for compliance (e.g., paying fines or appearing in court).
✔️ Secure Pretrial Release – For non-violent offenses, you may qualify for release without jail time.
Defenses Against a Warrant
If you have a warrant, there are potential legal defenses to fight it:
1. Lack of Probable Cause
✔️ If law enforcement did not have sufficient evidence, the warrant may be invalid.
2. Administrative Errors
✔️ If the warrant was issued due to a clerical mistake, it may be dismissed.
3. Failure to Notify You
✔️ If you were never properly informed of a court date, your attorney can argue for dismissal.
What Happens If You Are Arrested on a Warrant?
If you are arrested due to a warrant, you will go through the booking process, which includes:
✔️ Fingerprints and mugshot
✔️ Background check
✔️ Placement in jail until a bond hearing
🚨 Some warrants require you to stay in jail until you see a judge.
⚠️ Do NOT discuss your case with police. Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
A warrant does not automatically mean jail time—an experienced lawyer can:
✔️ Check for any active warrants without alerting the police
✔️ File motions to dismiss or quash the warrant
✔️ Negotiate for your release without jail time
✔️ Prepare a strong legal defense if you are arrested
At Bonderud Law, we have helped clients resolve warrants quickly and avoid unnecessary jail time. If you have a warrant, call us today for a confidential consultation.
Conclusion
Having an active warrant in Florida is a serious issue, but ignoring it will only make matters worse. The best course of action is to speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately to explore your legal options. Act now to protect your rights and avoid an unexpected arrest.
