At Lotze Mosley, LLP, our Washington D.C. and Maryland criminal defense attorneys know that having an active warrant out for your arrest can be a scary prospect. While most people believe an arrest warrant is only issued when someone has committed a serious crime, that is simply not true.
There are multiple reasons why a court may issue a warrant for someone’s arrest, even if he or she is not aware of the circumstances. Unfortunately, arrest warrants will not simply expire. They are only terminated when they are executed by arrest, or when the individual turns himself or herself in.
Why Are Arrest Warrants Issued in Washington D.C. and Maryland?
When someone commits a crime, he or she can be arrested immediately, or a warrant can be issued for their arrest if they are not detained at or near the scene of the crime.
Warrants must be supported by probable cause, which means there is evidence that shows a reasonable likelihood that the individual named in the warrant committed the offense.
Additional reasons arrest warrants are issued in Maryland and Washington D.C. include, but are not limited to:
- Suspicion of Criminal Activity
- Court Order Violations
- Probation Violations
- Minor Offenses, including Unpaid Traffic Infractions
The first step in facing the allegations that led to an arrest warrant is determining if there is one issued in your name.
- In Maryland, you can search for an active warrant in the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
- In Washington D.C., you can search for an active warrant in the District of Columbia Courts Active Warrants List.
If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you must make an intelligent plan to confront the allegations associated with the court order, so you are not simply waiting to be picked up by the police. We can help.
Contact Our Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington D.C. and Maryland
The best course of action when responding to an active arrest warrant is to contact our skilled Washington D.C. criminal defense attorneys at Lotze Mosley, LLP by calling 202-393-0535 today to devise a plan to turn yourself in. Surrendering allows you to maintain some control over the situation, and with our experienced defense lawyers by your side, the assurance that your rights are protected from the beginning.
