If there is a warrant out for your arrest in Utah, you are in a dangerous position where time is of the essence. It is critically important that you contact an experienced Salt Lake City criminal lawyer for legal help as soon as possible. The longer you delay, the greater the risk of being sent to jail or facing other serious penalties. By advocating for you strategically, a skilled defense attorney may be able to lower your bail amount, or even have your warrant recalled.
Do not wait to get the help you need in dealing with your arrest warrant. To set up a free legal consultation, contact Overson & Bugden online, or call (801) 758-2287 today. Handling cases throughout the Salt Lake City region, Overson Law is here to assist you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the Difference Between an Arrest Warrant and a Bench Warrant?
Put simply, an arrest warrant is a legal document that gives police officers the authority to bring a specific person into custody. Arrest warrants, which must be issued by judges or magistrates, generally contain certain terms or provisions limiting the circumstances under which the arrest can be made. For instance, a warrant might specify certain hours for making the arrest.
When an arrest warrant is issued because the person did not appear in court for a prior hearing, it is known as a “bench” warrant. Failure to appear (FTA) in court, also known as “bail-jumping,” is a crime prohibited by Section 76-8-312, which, under Section 76-8-312(2), makes this offense either a third degree felony (in cases where the defendant was being charged with a felony), or a Class B misdemeanor (in cases where the defendant was being charged with a misdemeanor).
Arrest warrants and bench warrants should not be confused with search warrants, which authorize police officers to conduct searches for drugs, firearms, or other items.
What Should I Do if There is a Warrant for My Arrest?
Unfortunately, an arrest warrant is an issue that will not vanish on its own. Even if you do not turn yourself in, you remain at risk of eventually being identified and brought into custody by the police.
If there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest in Salt Lake City or in other parts of Salt Lake County, it is in your best interests to contact a criminal defense lawyer for legal help right away. Depending on the situation, it may be advisable to request a recall of the warrant, or to post bail. By planning ahead and working strategically rather than ignoring the warrant, you will have better odds of a favorable outcome.
In addition to dealing with your arrest warrant or bench warrant, Darwin Overson can also fight the underlying charges that led to your arrest. Darwin has over 16 years of experience handling all types of felony and misdemeanor charges in Utah, including bail-jumping, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault, theft, burglary, robbery, gun possession, disorderly conduct, and other offenses.
How Do I Know if There is an Arrest Warrant for Me?
If you are concerned about an outstanding arrest warrant, you should discuss your situation with a reputable defense attorney before taking any other actions. Otherwise, you run the risk of accidentally incriminating yourself and making the situation worse. An attorney can protect you against violations of your constitutional rights, advocate for the best possible outcome in your case, and guide you through a judicial system that can sometimes feel maze-like and confusing for those unfamiliar with it. You should always consult an attorney before contacting the police.
With that in mind, there are several ways to find out whether there is a warrant for your arrest in Utah. The fastest and simplest way is to search online using the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Utah Statewide Warrants Search. You must enter a first and last name in order to search the warrant database.
Salt Lake City Defense Lawyer for Bench and Arrest Warrants in Utah
A police officer does not necessarily need a warrant to make an arrest. However, the police are obligated to follow certain rules when arresting suspects and conducting searches. If your rights were violated during an arrest or search, Darwin Overson is ready to fight back on your behalf.
It’s important to understand that avoiding an outstanding warrant will only make the situation harder and more complicated. The best course of action is to consult with an experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible about what steps to take next. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, or for the arrest of one of your family members, call Overson Law right away at (801) 758-2287, or contact us online to set up a free legal consultation today.
