Do You Need a Lawyer When You Turn Yourself in on an Arrest Warrant?
- An arrest warrant can be issued for a defendant by a law enforcement officer. The officer will state why he thinks the suspect has committed a crime. The judge will sign the warrant. Arrest warrants are generally used for serious crimes or emergency situations, especially if the police and the judge feel the person is a threat to society.
- The arrest warrant contains several types of information, including the defendant's name and/or description, the charged offense, the judge's signature and a directive for the defendant's arrest.
- If you do not address the arrest warrant, it could result in negative long-term results. You could be taken into custody, required to pay a bond or bail which can stay on your criminal record. A criminal record could prevent a future employer from hiring you.