A Warrant Has Been Issued for My Arrest in Texas - What To Do?

If you discover that you have a warrant out for your arrest, it can be alarming and confusing. In Texas, arrest warrants are issued for a number of reasons. There might be a bench warrant out for a missed court date, there might be an arrest warrant issued for your arrest, or a number of other types of warrants.

Regardless of the cause, the situation must be taken seriously. Understanding what a warrant means, what rights you might have, and how to respond to the warrant can make a very significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Are you asking, "A warrant has been issued for my arrest in Texas. What should I do?"

The first thing you should do is reach out to a qualified criminal defense attorney. Sparks Law Firm works with people in Fort Worth who are facing warrants. They can provide insight on what the different types of warrants in Texas are.

What it Means When a Warrant is Issued

An arrest warrant is a legal order that is signed by a judge or magistrate. It authorizes law enforcement officers to take a specific person into police custody. In Texas, a judge will only issue an arrest warrant if they have a reason to. Law enforcement must establish probable cause, and then ask for the warrant.

Warrants are generally based on:

• A criminal complaint or affidavit filed by law enforcement

• Evidence presented by a prosecutor

• A grand jury indictment

When a warrant is issued, it becomes active in a warrant database. This can be accessed by state and national law enforcement. This also means that officers can arrest the person at any time. This might be during a traffic stop, at their home, at work, or even when traveling.

Common Reasons a Warrant Might Be Issued

There are a number of reasons a warrant might be issued in Texas. Here are some of the most common:

Failure to Appear - Bench Warrant

Those who don't appear at a scheduled court date after getting a citation or notice can be arrested. This is called a bench warrant. Often, the court insists on this because they take it very seriously if a defendant fails to appear. They take it so seriously, in fact, that you can be charged with a separate criminal offense. This separate charge carries its own possible fines. The same can be said if you don't show up for court-ordered community service.

Unpaid Fines or Court Costs - Capias Pro Fine Warrant

If you have unpaid fines or court costs, you may get a capias pro fine warrant.

New Criminal Charges - Arrest Warrant

When police or prosecution believes they have probable cause that a person committed a crime, the judge might issue an arrest warrant.

Violation of Probation or Bond

Those who on on parole and who ignore the terms of their release or supervision may get a warrant released for their arrest.

In all of these situations, the warrant will authorize law enforcement to detain the person and thing them in before the court.

How to Confirm a Warrant Exists

Many people learn about a warrant through a phone call, a mailed notice, or by contact with law enforcement. However, to verify that a warrant is active, you can also do the following:

• Check online databases – Many Texas counties, including Tarrant, Dallas, and Harris, have online warrant look-up tools.

• Call the court clerk – The clerk’s office in the county where the alleged offense occurred can confirm whether an active warrant is on file.

• Consult an attorney – Defense attorneys can discreetly verify a warrant and communicate with the court or law enforcement on behalf of the client.

It is typically best not to contact the police directly before seeking legal advice, as doing so could lead to an immediate arrest.

The Consequences of Ignoring an Arrest Warrant

Once an arrest warrant is issued, it will remain active until its resolved. There is no future date for it to expire. Ignoring this can lead to more serious legal issues. These include:

• Arrest during a routine traffic stop or at one’s home

• Additional charges for failure to appear or evading arrest

• Higher bail amounts upon arrest

• Suspension of a driver’s license in some cases

In short, ignoring a warrant does not make it disappear. The longer it remains unresolved, the more serious the consequences may become.

Steps to Take if a Warrant Has Been Issued

If a court prepared warrant is in existence, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.

1. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Like Sparks Law Firm

This is one of the most important steps. An attorney can determine what type of warrant you have, the reason for the warrant, and the best strategies to resolve it. A lawyer can also get sufficient details about the warrant, and arrange for surrender under favorable terms. They can also explain Texas "No Knock" warrants.

2. Confirm the Details of the Warrant

An attorney can also help verify critical details such as:

• The issuing court and jurisdiction

• The alleged offense or charge

• Any set bail amount or bond conditions

Knowing this information helps you be better prepared for what you are facing.

3. Avoid Public Confrontations

If an active warrant exists, law enforcement may attempt to locate and arrest the individual. To avoid an unexpected or embarrassing situation—such as being taken into custody at work or in front of family—it is typically best to arrange a voluntary surrender through an attorney.

4. Arrange for Bond if Possible

In many cases, an attorney can work with a bail bondsman or the court to arrange for pre-arrest bond or a walk-through arrest. This process allows the individual to turn themselves in, complete booking, and be released quickly—often without spending a lot of time in hail.

5. Gather Important Documents

Before surrendering, it is helpful to prepare necessary identification, court notices, or documentation related to the underlying case. Having this information ready can help to streamline the process and assist your attorney.

For more details, hire a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth TX.

Rights of the Accused During an Arrest

Even when a warrant has been issued, you have constitutional rights. These include:

• The right to remain silent. Anything said to law enforcement can be used in court. It is advisable to remain respectful but decline to answer questions without an attorney present.

• The right to an attorney. Every person has the right to legal counsel during questioning and throughout the criminal process.

• The right to be informed of the charges. Upon arrest, law enforcement must state the reason for the arrest and present the warrant if requested.

• The right to a timely appearance before a magistrate. In Texas, arrested individuals must be brought before a judge—typically within 48 hours—to be advised of their rights and bail eligibility.

Exercising these rights is crucial to protecting one’s legal interests and ensuring due process.

How an Attorney from Sparks Law Firm Can Help Resolve a Warrant

Working with a criminal defense attorney offers several advantages for individuals facing an arrest warrant in Texas. An experienced lawyer can:

• Determine the warrant type – whether it is an arrest, bench, alias, or capias warrant.

• Communicate with law enforcement – to prevent a public or surprise arrest.

• Negotiate a voluntary surrender – often resulting in quicker processing and more favorable bail terms.

• Seek dismissal or recall of the warrant – in cases of procedural errors or misunderstandings.

• Develop a defense strategy – addressing the underlying criminal charge once the warrant issue is resolved.

For many individuals, legal representation helps ensure that the process is handled discreetly, efficiently, and with the least disruption possible. Reach out to Sparks Law Firm for more information about dealing with a warrant. - Call now for a free consultation about your legal situation.