Typically, people are arrested at the scene of the crime. These arrests are conducted without warrants and are permissible when the arresting officer has probable cause to believe that a crime was committed. For example, if they suspect drunk driving, officers may arrest someone they pull over if there is sufficient evidence to believe they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Similarly, if the police are called to the scene of a fistfight, they will likely arrest the people involved. In these cases, a judge reviews the arrest after the fact to determine whether probable cause actually existed.
In some cases, however, police apply for a warrant before making an arrest. This scenario typically arises when police conduct an investigation of suspected criminal activity after the activity has ended. In addition, a judge can issue a bench warrant if a person fails to appear in court—even for minor matters like speeding tickets.
An arrest warrant allows the police to arrest you at any time. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, the police could come to your home, work, or pull you over on the street, and take you into custody.
An arrest warrant can cause significant anxiety, and may even result in you missing work or getting arrested at your job. For this reason, if you have a warrant out for your arrest, handle the matter promptly and with proper planning—and certainly with the assistance of an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer.
An Attorney May Help You Avoid Arrest
Many people mistakenly believe that the only way to deal with warrants is to turn themselves in, get “processed,” and post bond. While is true in some cases, a lawyer can often help resolve the matter without police ever taking you into custody. An attorney who “enters” on a case can appear before the court and request that a judge recalls the warrant. If this doesn’t happen, you may still be able to post bond without getting taken into custody.
An Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
If there is a warrant for your arrest and you want to turn yourself in, you’ll want an attorney to represent you and protect your rights. When you turn yourself in, the police may attempt to interrogate you to gather additional evidence against you. A lawyer, however, will ensure that you do not say or do anything that could incriminate you, and will also ensure that the police and jail staff protect your rights. In addition, an attorney can determine your bond (or try to lower it) before you turn yourself in, allowing you to post it the minute you are taken into custody. This means that you will just be processed and immediately released, minimizing the time you spend in jail.
Call Koffsky & Felsen, LLC Today to Speak With a Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a family member have an active warrant out for your arrest, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will protect your legal rights and may even have the warrant recalled, saving you the embarrassment and discomfort associated with arrest. At Koffsky & Felsen, LLC, our team of experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorneys understands how scary it is to have a warrant out and do everything we can to resolve criminal cases with as little consequence to our clients as possible. To schedule a consultation with a lawyer, call us today at (203) 327-1500, or send us an email through our online contact form.
