Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

How to Respond to a Warrant Out for Your Arrest

Law enforcement in Fall River arrested a man recently on active warrants related to both firearm and drug charges. A Fall River Sergeant reports that a law enforcement officer was on patrol in Fall River at the time the arrest occurred. While in the location, law enforcement observed a man exiting a vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of a McDonald’s. Law enforcement knew at this time that the man was the subject of an active arrest warrant.

The law enforcement officer then requested additional units to help in executing the arrest warrant. Fortunately, the man was then taken into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant without any complications. On arrest, law enforcement found that the man had a firearm tucked into his waistband. The man also had not been issued a license to carry by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and could not legally possess the firearm. In addition to the weapon, the man was also discovered to be in possession of over 100 Xanax pills for which he lacked a prescription. 

Besides charges related to the outstanding warrant, the man also now faces charges associated with felony firearm offenses as well as a possession to distribute a drug considered a Class A substance.  

If a warrant is out for your arrest, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. While various methods exist to learn about a charge against you, some of the most common methods of learning that a charge exists against you include being arrested or receiving a summons on the spot. Most of the time, arrests for felonies as well as misdemeanors occur at the time they are committed. 

A summons is often issued for traffic infractions like reckless driving or minor drug offenses. Other times, a person might not face charges related to a criminal offense until hours or weeks after the alleged offense occurs. When an individual is not arrested or a summons is not issued at the time of the offense, law enforcement is not obligated to reveal whether a warrant has been issued. Here is how to respond if you discover a warrant exists for your arrest. 

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

If you learn that a warrant was issued by a jurisdiction, you should promptly contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will fight to make sure that your rights are protected and that you have the strongest defense available. Retaining a criminal defense attorney who appreciates your situation can provide you with an understanding of whether you can expect to be held in jail or released based on the circumstances associated with your case. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can promptly begin crafting your defense, negotiating with law enforcement and the prosecution, and helping to obtain the best outcome possible. 

Hand Yourself Over to the Appropriate Jurisdiction

After contacting a criminal defense attorney, the next best step is to arrange to turn yourself into the corresponding jurisdiction where you are wanted. If you go to a different jurisdiction, it can delay your release. 

Prepare for a Bond

Based on the nature of your charge, a magistrate might be able to arrange a bond. Some dangerous offenses like murder and rape have presumptions against release. This means that a judge has the choice to not arrange a bond for these charges. If the judge does not arrange a bond, it is critical to have your criminal defense attorney arrange a bond motion.

Avoid Making Recorded Statements

Regardless of whether you are promptly released or held, it is a good idea to avoid making any recorded statements during this process. Anything that you state to a law enforcement officer or an inmate could end up being used against you. If you provide incriminating statements, they can end up being used against you in the government’s case. 

Speak With a Drug Defense Attorney Today

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts takes drug charges very seriously and a conviction can lead to various penalties including jail time and hefty fines. If you or a loved one is charged with a drug crime in Massachusetts, one of the best things that you can do is contact an experienced defense attorney. Do not hesitate to contact Attorney Edward R Molari today to schedule a free case evaluation.