Understanding Orange County California Arrest Warrants

If you don’t already know about arrest warrants, it might be a good idea to brush up on understanding what they are and how they can negatively impact a person’s livelihood. In Orange County, California, arrest warrants are an important part of the criminal justice process and holding those accountable for their criminal actions. They authorize the police to arrest someone suspected of committing a crime. The police are just the instrument to arrest the person, but the real situation arises when going to court. The main goal of an arrest warrant is to bring someone to justice for a crime they committed. While these are just allegations until that person is proven guilty in court, there is very strong evidence to support these claims. In fact, an arrest warrant cannot be issued unless there is solid evidence or a sworn affidavit that a crime has been committed. The 4th Amendment of the US Constitution protects unlawful searches and seizures, so the courts must be presented with such evidence for a warrant to be lawfully and constitutionally issued.

How are Arrest Warrants Issued?

An arrest warrant begins with law enforcement, or a district attorney, gathering enough evidence against someone to present to a judge. This evidence must meet the Constitutional and legal standards known as probable cause. Without probable cause, a warrant cannot be legally issued by any judge.

The judge then reviews the information to determine it is enough to warrant someone’s arrest. If the judge is convinced, they issue the arrest warrant, giving the police the authority to arrest someone on the spot. This can happen at home, at work, or while driving if someone gets pulled over. Warrant information is often broadcasted to every law enforcement agency, so that when someone runs someone’s ID through a law enforcement database, that person is listed as needing to be arrested immediately. These are also considered public records in California, which means that anyone can run an Orange County California Arrest Warrant Search to find out if there is one.

How to Check For Active Warrants Online

When someone wants to start their arrest warrant search there are a couple of options. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department provides a user-friendly online search platform. This website allows residents to conduct a preliminary search from home. An in person visit to the Sheriff Department to request this information is also an option but the risk is being arrested on the spot. Another option, which is a very popular one, is to use a non-government public records website. These websites typically offer quick and confidential searches of these types of records for a small fee. It’s a quick way to find out if there is one issued in your name or for someone else.

Steps to Take if You Have a Warrant Issued in Your Name

Discovering you have an active warrant issued in your name can be super alarming. The first step you may want to consider is contacting a criminal defense attorney. They can be very helpful in navigating the process of dealing with one, and in the best legal actions to take.

Voluntarily surrendering to authorities is often wise, which an attorney can help you out with. Taking this step pre-emptively, rather than being arrested, will show the courts that you are cooperating. It may help your criminal defense in court, as well as lead to more favorable outcomes and sentencings if you are found guilty.

If you do surrender, it’s a good idea to know about the role of bail and bondsmen, which can ease the process and allow you some freedom to prepare your case outside of jail. After surrendering, bail might be set, allowing you to remain free until your court date. Bail bondsmen can help you out if the bail amount is beyond what you can afford.

If you face an arrest warrant, consider these actions:

• Consult a qualified criminal defense attorney.
• Prepare for surrendering on your terms.
• Explore financial assistance from a bail bondsman.

By addressing the warrant quickly, you can help to prevent additional complications. Ignoring it can result in harsher penalties and additional charges, as these do not expire or go away.

Consequences of Ignoring a Warrant For Your Arrest

Ignoring a warrant for your arrest is super risky and will most likely lead to a lot more legal trouble. It may lead to additional charges, compounding your already complicated situation. This might include increased bail or fines or restrict you from having bail as an option all together.

An outstanding warrant can also be detrimental to other aspects of life. For instance, it could negatively affect getting a job. Employers often run criminal background checks, and warrants can be a big red flag. Similarly, access to housing, essential services, or even traveling outside the country may be restrictive.

Ignoring a warrant has interstate implications as well. It may lead to extradition if you are found in a different state. Law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions can execute the warrant, which makes it really hard to hide from one. It’s best to handle it head on and hire a public defender if you can’t afford to put an attorney on retainer.