Having an outstanding arrest warrant in Ohio can be a frightening situation. Whether you are aware of the warrant or find out unexpectedly, it is essential to know what steps to take to protect yourself. An arrest warrant is a legal document that allows law enforcement to arrest you at any time, so ignoring it is not a good idea. Many people may not fully understand the process of dealing with an outstanding arrest warrant or how to resolve the situation. Understanding what an arrest warrant means and knowing how to handle it can help you avoid more severe legal consequences. At, Sabol & Mallory Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Dan Sabol
Dan is the first attorney in Ohio to be both board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and be designated as a Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society.
Chase Mallory
Chase Mallory is a firm founder whom has tried over 40 cases and conducted more than 100 suppression hearings. He is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
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Learn more about our teamUnderstanding What an Arrest Warrant Is
An arrest warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate, usually when there is reason to believe that a person has committed a crime. The judge or magistrate relies on information presented by law enforcement or a prosecutor to decide whether there is enough evidence to issue a warrant. Once the warrant is in place, police officers have the authority to arrest the person named in the warrant. This means that if you have an outstanding warrant in Ohio, police officers can take you into custody at any time and place, including at home, at work, or even during a traffic stop.
People often assume that if they avoid the police, the warrant will eventually go away. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Warrants do not expire, and the longer the warrant remains active, the more trouble it can cause for you. It can lead to complications with employment, housing, and even your personal life. For example, if you are pulled over for a routine traffic stop and the officer discovers the warrant, you may be arrested on the spot. For these reasons, it is essential to address an outstanding warrant as soon as possible.
How to Check if You Have an Outstanding Arrest Warrant
Many people are unaware that they have an outstanding arrest warrant until they encounter law enforcement. There are ways to find out if a warrant exists for your arrest. The most straightforward method is to contact the court or law enforcement agency that may have issued the warrant. Some courts have online databases where you can search for warrants using your name and other identifying information. You can also contact the clerk of courts for the county where you believe the warrant may have been issued. Keep in mind that if you do have a warrant, contacting law enforcement directly could result in your immediate arrest.
A more cautious approach is to have a lawyer check for outstanding warrants on your behalf. A lawyer can handle this inquiry without putting you at immediate risk of being taken into custody. If a warrant is discovered, your attorney can help you understand what the warrant is for and how to address it.
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Testimonials
Learn what our clients have to say about the work of Sabol Mallory. If you have any questions or need legal help for a criminal charge, please reach out to us right away.
Chase Mallory is incredible. He is wonderful to work with and knows exactly what to do to help his clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done for me. I highly recommend hiring Chase to help fight your battles. Bless you!
- Erin R.
Dan Sabol is probably the best attorney I've ever worked with. Very professional and worked hard to get the best results possible. He will be the first person I call if I need a lawyer again. If you find yourself in a sticky situation make sure you give him a ring.
- Christopher R.
I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Chase and I am very grateful!! They did amazing work to help me on my case. They are very helpful and get back with you in a timely manner whenever I had questions for them, which was very nice and reassuring.
- Jessica H.
Steps to Take if You Have an Outstanding Arrest Warrant
If you discover that you have an outstanding arrest warrant in Ohio, it is essential to act quickly. The first thing to do is remain calm and avoid making any rash decisions. The worst thing you can do is ignore the warrant or try to run from it. Failing to address a warrant can lead to more severe penalties, including additional charges for failing to appear in court or evading law enforcement.
The next step is to consult with a lawyer who can provide guidance on how to resolve the warrant. A lawyer with experience handling arrest warrants in Ohio will know the legal options available to you and can help minimize the potential consequences. Depending on the situation, your lawyer may be able to negotiate with the court or prosecutor to have the warrant lifted without you being taken into custody. In some cases, it may be possible to arrange for a voluntary surrender, which can demonstrate to the court that you are taking responsibility for the warrant.
If the warrant is for a minor offense, such as failing to appear for a traffic violation, your lawyer may be able to resolve the matter without you needing to go to court. For more serious offenses, it may be necessary to appear in court to resolve the warrant. In either case, having legal representation can make the process much smoother and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
What Happens If You Are Arrested?
If you are arrested due to an outstanding warrant, it is crucial to remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement. Resisting arrest or becoming confrontational can lead to additional charges and make your situation worse. After the arrest, you will likely be taken to jail, where you will have the opportunity to post bail or bond. Bail is the amount of money you must pay to be released from jail while your case is pending. The court sets the bail amount based on several factors, including the severity of the offense and your criminal history.
If you cannot afford to pay bail, you may be able to use the services of a bail bondsman, who will post the bail on your behalf in exchange for a fee. Once released from custody, it is essential to follow all of the court’s instructions, including attending any scheduled court hearings. Failing to appear in court after being released on bail can result in another warrant being issued for your arrest.
Even if you are arrested, having an attorney can still make a big difference. Your lawyer can work to get you released from custody as quickly as possible and can help you navigate the legal process moving forward. They can also argue on your behalf in court, present evidence to support your case, and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Possible Consequences of Ignoring an Arrest Warrant
Ignoring an outstanding arrest warrant in Ohio can have severe consequences. One of the most immediate risks is being arrested unexpectedly, often in embarrassing or inconvenient situations. You could be arrested in front of family members, coworkers, or even strangers. Being arrested at work can also put your job at risk, especially if your employer has strict policies about criminal activity.
In addition to the immediate risk of arrest, ignoring a warrant can lead to more significant legal problems. If the warrant was issued for a minor offense, such as a traffic violation, failing to address it can result in additional charges, such as contempt of court or failure to appear. These charges can carry fines, jail time, or both. If the warrant is for a more serious offense, ignoring it can result in even harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
Furthermore, having an active warrant can complicate other areas of your life. It can make it difficult to obtain or renew a driver’s license, pass background checks for employment or housing, and travel freely. If you are detained at an airport or during international travel, you could be held in custody until the warrant is resolved. Addressing an outstanding warrant as soon as possible is the best way to avoid these negative consequences and move forward with your life.
Dealing with an outstanding arrest warrant in Ohio can be an overwhelming experience, but you do not have to face it alone. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference in resolving the situation quickly and effectively. At Sabol & Mallory, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with a warrant, and we are here to help you through every step of the process.
Whether the warrant is for a minor offense or a more serious charge, our team is prepared to assist you in navigating the legal system. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding the warrant, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in court. If necessary, we can work to have the warrant lifted or negotiate a favorable resolution with the prosecutor. Our goal is to minimize the impact of the warrant on your life and help you move forward.
If you or a loved one is facing an outstanding arrest warrant in Ohio, do not wait to take action. Contact Sabol & Mallory today for a free consultation. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we achieve a successful result for you. Call us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you resolve your outstanding warrant and protect your rights.