Picture this: one day you just find out that there is a warrant out for you in Las Vegas. You are either out-of-state, or are in an area where the concerned law enforcement have not reached you yet. Going back to Las Vegas can and will lead to an immediate arrest, and you are unprepared for the eventuality. In such situations, a seasoned defense attorney can help.
Defense lawyers are also trained to handle arrest warrants aimed at their clients. They can handle arrangements to make the arrest go smoother and easier for a defendant. Let’s look at how your lawyer can deal with warrants in Las Vegas.
Handling an Arrest Warrant
Arrest warrants authorize police officers to apprehend you anytime, anywhere, so long as it is within legal limits. Officers can visit you at your home or place of residence, or they can meet you at the airport and take you in. Any attempts to avoid facing the cops can be perceived as an attempt at resisting arrest, and can lead to worse consequences afterward.
Your defense lawyer can work with the prosecutor to smooth out the arrest process when the warrant is issued. They will arrange a surrender-and-walk-through procedure where you can report to the court handling the charges against you, get booked, and arrange for the corresponding bail. You are then temporarily free while both the prosecution and your lawyer handle the specifics of the case prior to the hearing.
Working On a Bench Warrant
A Bench warrant can be an additional burden to an already taxing criminal case. This warrant authorizes your arrest if you fail to appear on a court date for the charges against you, or if you violate other court rules. The consequences of a bench warrant arrest can complicate an already tricky criminal hearing.
Fortunately, most defense lawyers can formally request the court to quash the warrant. The court will then allow a hearing where your lawyer can argue your case. If successful, you can avoid any additional penalties and your criminal hearings can proceed as normal.
Always accept a warrant reasonably; failure to do so can add more legal headaches down the line. Consult with a Las Vegas lawyer so you can better understand how to handle an arrest warrant against you.