If you find out that there’s a warrant for your arrest in Arizona, it can be a stressful situation. Whether it’s because of a missed court date or a grand jury indictment, understanding how the process works and knowing what to do next is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the types of warrants and how to handle them if you’re in Arizona.
Grand Jury Indictments and Felony Warrants
In Arizona, one way an arrest warrant is issued is through a grand jury indictment, typically in felony cases. A grand jury is a group of citizens who review evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there’s enough to charge someone with a crime. If the grand jury finds probable cause, they will issue an indictment, and a judge will sign an arrest warrant.
Usually, you won’t know about this warrant until law enforcement arrives to arrest you. However, if you find out about the grand jury indictment before you’re arrested, it’s important to act fast. You should immediately contact an attorney who can help you quash the warrant. A lawyer can request a status conference with the judge to address the matter without you being taken into custody, which could help avoid the stress and uncertainty of being arrested.
Missed Court Dates and Warrants
Another common reason a warrant is issued in Arizona is missing a scheduled court date. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a misunderstanding of the court date, a personal emergency, or even simple forgetfulness. Whether it’s for a misdemeanor or felony charge, missing your court appearance can result in an arrest warrant.
If you miss a court date, you’ll need a lawyer to help you quash the warrant. A legal professional can go to court on your behalf to request that the warrant be lifted and work with the judge to reschedule your hearing. In many cases, your lawyer may be able to resolve the issue without you having to be taken into custody.
Summons and Failure to Appear
In Arizona, most criminal cases begin with a summons being sent to your last known address. A summons is a legal document notifying you of the need to appear in court. However, issues like moving, lost mail, or incorrect addresses can sometimes prevent you from receiving the summons. If you don’t get the summons and miss your court date, a warrant can be issued for your arrest.
If this happens, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you quash the warrant and ensure that your case moves forward. Whether you missed the initial court date due to a missed summons or another reason, legal assistance is key to getting the warrant cleared up and minimizing the impact on your case.
What Happens After a Warrant Is Issued?
If you discover that there’s an active arrest warrant in Arizona, don’t panic. While it’s best to avoid being pulled over or interacting with law enforcement until the issue is resolved, it’s important to take action right away. The good news is that warrants can be quashed with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Your lawyer can assist in filing the necessary motions to have the warrant lifted and request a new court date. In many cases, you won’t need to go to jail, and your case can continue without further complications.
Contact Us
If you have an arrest warrant—whether due to a grand jury indictment, a missed court date, or a summons issue—acting quickly is essential. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. An experienced attorney can help you quash the warrant, prevent arrest, and get your case back on track. At R&R Law Group, we offer free case evaluations to help you understand your legal rights and options, schedule now or give us a call at (602) 497-3088.
If you find yourself in this situation, reach out to our office for assistance.
We’ll guide you through the legal process and work to resolve the issue with minimal stress and disruption to your life. Remember, it’s not the end of the world, but it does require action—don’t wait! Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
