Knowing there may be a warrant against you in Utah can be one of the scariest things you can experience. If you or a loved one is facing a warrant in Utah, you need the assistance of an experienced Salt Lake City arrest warrant attorney who can guide you and assist you throughout the process. Many people facing a warrant may not know what to do or may feel tempted to disregard their court-issued arrest. However, it is critical to call your Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer as soon as you suspect there is a warrant against you. Darwin Overson from Overson & Bugden explains.
When Should I Call an Attorney if There is a Warrant for My Arrest in Utah?
If there is a warrant for your arrest in Utah, you need to immediately contact a Salt Lake criminal defense attorney. There is no statute of limitations for an arrest warrant. This means your warrant will remain active until you turn yourself in or get arrested. Many individuals have made the mistake of running thinking their warrant will go away. However, this is not the case. The need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney cannot be stressed enough.
Contacting a Utah criminal defense attorney for your bench warrant is essential. With your attorney’s assistance, you may be able to request a recall on your warrant or post bail if you get arrested. In addition to this assistance, you may be able to strategize and come up with a plan to defend yourself against your criminal charges.
How Do I Know There Is a Warrant for My Arrest in Utah?
Before you do anything related to a warrant against you, it is essential to consult with a Utah criminal attorney first. However, if you still wish to learn whether there is a warrant out for your arrest, you can consult different sources of information.
The most effective and fastest way to know if there is a warrant for your arrest in Utah is to use Utah’s Statewide Search Warrant database. When you visit this webpage, all you need to do is enter your name and wait for the results. You can also call the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Utah and ask if there is a warrant for you. Additionally, you can consult the Utah court directory to contact your county’s clerk.
Don’t try to run or hide because those actions can hurt your case in the future. It would be best to keep in mind there may be a defense strategy for your case. Make sure to call an experienced Tooele criminal defense lawyer to handle your case as soon as you know about the potential bench warrant.
Differences Between Arrest, Bench, and Search Warrants in Utah
In Utah, there are three different types of warrants you can face: an arrest, bench, and search warrants. Many people who have never been involved in a criminal case before may tend to use these three terms interchangeably. In reality, each type of warrant has different purposes and are used in different situations.
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is a court-issued document authorizing the police to perform an arrest. These warrants must contain specific information about the individual to be put under custody. Generally, this type of legal permission to bring a suspect into custody must be issued by a judge or magistrate. Additionally, an arrest warrant can contain information about a specific property to be searched and seized.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is a judge-issued arrest order against a defendant who violates the rules of the court. Put simply, a bench warrant is issued if a defendant skips a court appearance or “jumps bail.” The purpose of this type of warrant is to put the offender back in custody and bring them in front of the judge.
Search Warrants
Search warrants are requested by police officers to search and seize property. These court-issued permits must be predicated upon reasonable doubt and must detail the person or property and the assets or items to be seized.
It is always in your best interest to hire a Utah criminal defense attorney if you suspect there is a bench, arrest, or search warrant against you. It is also critical to emphasize the importance of refraining from taking any actions that may give the prosecution evidence suggesting guilt.
Defenses to a Warrant Order in Utah
Many people fear they will be convicted if there is a warrant against them. However, it is essential to understand that these warrants can be challenged. The U.S. Constitution protects all people against unreasonable searches and seizures. This means police officers must make sure to follow specific rules to avoid acting against your constitutional rights.
There have been numerous instances where a police officer makes an arrest and proceeds to conduct a search without a court-issued warrant. As we mentioned, all warrants must be issued by a judge, contain specific information, and must be based on probable cause. If a police officer searches and seize your property without a valid warrant, they would be in clear violation of your constitutional rights. All the evidence resulting from their illegal arrest, search or seizure cannot be admitted as evidence against you in a court of law.
While warrants don’t expire, it does not mean you can’t challenge them. In our criminal justice system, you are innocent until proven guilty. Our Utah criminal defense attorneys can help you ensure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout your criminal process.
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney for Search Warrants Offering Free Consultations
Facing Utah’s criminal justice system can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. This is especially true if you have never been part of a criminal process before. However, you don’t have to go through this trying time alone. Our Riverton City, UT criminal defense lawyers from Overson & Bugden can help. Backed by decades of hands-on experience handling criminal cases, we know what it takes to provide you with quality legal representation. To learn more about all of our services in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (801) 758-2287.
