If you believe you have an arrest warrant in your name in Salt Lake City, it would be a wise idea to verify whether your suspicions are correct. Fortunately, there is a way for a person to check whether they have an active warrant in Salt Lake City. If you are facing criminal charges in Salt Lake City, you should consult with an experienced Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Overson & Bugden, we are ready to provide you with the criminal defense you need to handle your case. Bench Warrant Arrest lawyer Darwin Overson is here to explain how to check for an arrest warrant in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Checking the Status of an Arrest Warrant in Salt Lake City, Utah
An arrest warrant is issued by a court and permits law enforcement to take legal action against an individual. For example, if a warrant was issued for your arrest, you could be detained and taken to jail if you police discover the warrant during a routine traffic stop. In some cases, an arrest warrant may be issued for a serious offense, which means law enforcement may arrive at your residence or your other known locations to arrest you and transport you to jail.
If you are concerned that you may have committed a crime and there is a warrant out for your arrest, it is vital for you to act quickly. The State of Utah has provided people with multiple ways to check for active arrest warrants that you should utilize to check your status. Any of the following methods can help you determine whether you have an open arrest warrant in Utah.
Check Utah’s Department of Public Safety Website
One way to check your arrest warrant status is to visit the Statewide Warrant Search website operated by Utah’s Department of Public Safety. On this website, you can enter your full name to determine whether you have any warrants within the State of Utah. The information provided on this website is taken directly from Utah courts.
While these records are typically up-to-date, it may help to consult with an experienced attorney if you have any issues with the status of the warrant.
Contact Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
Another way to check your arrest warrant status is to contact Utah’s Bureau of Criminal Identification, which can be reached by using this number (801) 965-4445.
Contact the Clerk of Courts
You can also contact the clerk of courts in the county you reside in to check whether you have an open arrest warrant.
If you discover that you have an arrest warrant open in Utah, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Overson & Bugden, can help you determine how to handle your arrest warrant depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you have an open warrant for a minor offense, our firm can help you schedule a court date to have the warrant removed.
To learn more about the types of warrants that Utah courts may issue, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer today.
Types of Arrest Warrants that Can be Issued in Salt Lake City
There are multiple types of arrest warrants that can be issued for a person facing criminal allegations in Salt Lake City. It is important to note that an arrest warrant cannot be valid until it is approved and signed by a Utah judge or magistrate. The following are the types of warrants that can be approved by a court in Utah.
Arrest Warrants
As mentioned, when an arrest warrant is issued by the court, it gives law enforcement the power to arrest the individual named in the warrant. To be approved for an arrest warrant, law enforcement must show that they have probable cause that the person named in the warrant committed a crime. If a warrant is not supported by probable cause, it should not be approved by a judge or magistrate. Our firm can help you fight back against an arrest warrant that you believe was wrongly issued.
Note, however, that law enforcement does not always require an arrest warrant to arrest a suspect. For example, if a police officer notices a person committing a crime, this can be enough to support an arrest without a warrant.
Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are issued by a judge when an individual skips out on a criminal court date. For example, if you are released on bail for a DUI offense, and you do not arrive for your court hearing, a judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
Search Warrants
Search warrants permit law enforcement to perform a search of a residence, or another building where they believe is being used to support criminal activity. For example, if a person is selling counterfeit goods from a residence, law enforcement can use a search warrant to look for evidence of the crime.
It is important to remember that a search warrant must be supported by probable cause and can only search in specified areas where the evidence of a crime could be hidden. For example, if law enforcement is searching for stolen televisions, it would be illegal to rifle through a person’s bedroom nightstand looking for unrelated evidence of a crime.
Our Committed Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Lawyer is Ready to Help You Handle Your Arrest
If you or a family member are concerned about an arrest warrant, you should consult with an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney today. Skilled criminal defense lawyer Darwin Overson has over 15 years of legal experience, and he would be pleased to work with you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your criminal case, you should contact Overson & Bugden, at (801) 758-2287. You may also contact the firm online.
