What You Need to Know About Florida Outstanding Warrants

Florida, the Sunshine State, is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and rich cultural history. However, like any other state, it also has its share of legal issues, one of which is outstanding warrants. In this article, we will discuss what an outstanding warrant is, the process of obtaining one, and the consequences of having an outstanding warrant in Florida.

What is an Outstanding Warrant?

An outstanding warrant is an official document issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement officers to arrest or detain a person suspected of committing a crime. These warrants remain active until the person named in the Warrant is arrested, the charges are dropped, or the Warrant is otherwise resolved.

Types of Warrants in Florida

There are several types of warrants in Florida, including:

  1. Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. These warrants are typically based on evidence or testimony presented to a judge or magistrate.
  2. Bench Warrants: Issued when a person fails to appear in court as required, such as for a scheduled hearing, trial, or sentencing. Bench warrants can also be issued for non-compliance with court orders, such as failing to pay fines or complete community service.
  3. Search Warrants: Issued when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime may be found in a specific location, allowing them to search the premises and seize any relevant evidence.
  4. Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as to enforce a judgment or order from a civil court.
  5. Extradition Warrants: An extradition warrant is issued by a governor or judge authorizing the extradition of an individual from one state to another to face criminal charges.

The Process of Obtaining a Warrant in Florida

To obtain a warrant in Florida, law enforcement officers must present evidence or testimony to a judge or magistrate, who will determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. If the judge is satisfied that probable cause exists, they will issue the Warrant, which typically includes the following information:

  1. The name of the person to be arrested or a description that will enable their identification.
  2. The offense for which the Warrant is issued.
  3. The date and time the Warrant was issued.
  4. The signature of the judge or magistrate who issued the Warrant.

How to Search for Outstanding Warrants in Florida

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have an outstanding warrant in Florida, there are ways to search for them. Here are some ways to conduct a warrant search in Florida:

  1. Online Warrant Search: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides an online search tool that allows individuals to search for outstanding warrants in the state. To use the search tool, you will need the individual's full name and date of birth. The search tool will display any outstanding warrants in the state of Florida.
  2. Local Law Enforcement Agencies: You can also contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire about any outstanding warrants. If you suspect that you have an outstanding warrant, it is recommended that you turn yourself in to the nearest law enforcement agency.
  3. Florida Court System: The Florida court system maintains records of all outstanding warrants issued in the state. You can contact the clerk of court in the county where the Warrant was issued to obtain information about the Warrant.

What to Do if You Have an Outstanding Warrant in Florida

If you have an outstanding warrant in Florida, it is important to take immediate action. Ignoring the Warrant can lead to serious consequences, including arrest, fines, and jail time. Here are some steps you can take if you have an outstanding warrant in Florida:

  1. Turn Yourself In: The best course of action, if you have an outstanding warrant, is to turn yourself in to the nearest law enforcement agency. You can do this by going to the police station or sheriff's office and informing them that you have an outstanding warrant. Turning yourself in may result in a more favorable outcome than waiting for law enforcement to find you. It is very important that you speak with one of our attorneys prior to turning yourself in.
  2. Hire an Attorney: If you have an outstanding warrant, it is recommended that you hire an attorney. An experienced attorney can provide guidance and legal advice on how to handle the situation.
  3. Pay the Fine: If your outstanding Warrant is for a non-criminal offense, such as a traffic violation, you may be able to pay the fine to clear the Warrant.
  4. Attend Court: If you have a bench warrant for failing to appear in court, attending court may be your best option. Contact the court to reschedule your hearing or trial and explain the circumstances that led to the missed court date.

Consequences of Outstanding Warrants in Florida

Ignoring an outstanding warrant in Florida can lead to serious consequences. The consequences vary depending on the type of Warrant, the severity of the offense, and whether it is a first-time offense or a repeat offense. Here are some of the consequences of outstanding warrants in Florida:

  1. Arrest: Law enforcement can arrest individuals with outstanding warrants at any time. If you are arrested for an outstanding warrant, you may be taken into custody, booked, and held until your court date.
  2. Fines: Failing to appear in court or violating probation can result in fines. The fines can be significant, and failure to pay them can lead to additional legal trouble.
  3. Jail Time: Depending on the severity of the offense, individuals with outstanding warrants may face jail time. The length of the sentence varies depending on the offense and the individual's criminal history.
  4. Suspension of Driver's License: Failure to pay fines or attend court can result in the suspension of your driver's license. Driving with a suspended license can lead to further legal trouble and may result in additional fines and jail time.
  5. Extradition: If you have an outstanding warrant in another state, Florida may extradite you to that state to face criminal charges.

Outstanding warrants in Florida are serious legal issues that should not be ignored. If you suspect that you or someone you know has an outstanding warrant, it is important to take immediate action. Turning yourself in, hiring an attorney, paying fines, or attending court are all options for dealing with outstanding warrants. Ignoring an outstanding warrant can lead to significant legal consequences, including arrest, fines, and jail time. By taking the necessary steps to address the Warrant, you can avoid further legal trouble and protect your future.

Dealing with a Warrant in Florida When Living in Another State

Dealing with an outstanding warrant in Florida can be a complicated and stressful experience, especially if you are living out of state. Whether you are a Florida resident who has moved away or an out-of-state resident who has a warrant in Florida, there are several steps you can take to address the Warrant and minimize the legal consequences.

Conduct a Warrant Search - The first step is to determine if you have an outstanding warrant in Florida. You can conduct an online search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) website to find out if there is a warrant in your name. You will need to provide your full name and date of birth to conduct the search.

Hire an Attorney - If you have an outstanding warrant, it is recommended that you hire an attorney to represent you. An experienced attorney can provide legal advice and help you navigate the legal system. They can also represent you in court and negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties.

Consider Voluntary Surrender - One option is to surrender voluntarily to the authorities. This involves contacting the Florida law enforcement agency that issued the Warrant and arranging to turn yourself in. Voluntary surrender can demonstrate to the court that you are taking responsibility for your actions and may lead to more favorable outcomes. However, this option is not always practical if you live far away or cannot travel to Florida.

Obtain a Bail Bond - If you cannot turn yourself in, you can obtain a bail bond through a Florida-based bail bond company. A bail bond is a type of surety bond that guarantees you will appear in court. The bail bond company will typically charge a fee, usually 10% of the total bail amount, to post the bond. This fee is non-refundable, even if the charges against you are dropped or dismissed.

Attend Court - If you are unable to turn yourself in or post a bail bond, you may be required to attend court in Florida. This may require you to travel to Florida, which can be costly and time-consuming. However, attending court is a legal requirement, and failing to do so can result in additional charges and penalties.

Seek Legal Help - If you live out of state and cannot travel to Florida, you can seek legal help in your home state. An attorney licensed in your state can provide legal advice and represent you in court. They can also communicate with the Florida court and prosecutor on your behalf.

Resolve the Warrant Through a Plea Bargain - If you cannot attend court or travel to Florida, you may be able to resolve the Warrant through a plea bargain. A plea bargain involves negotiating with the prosecutor to plead guilty to a lesser charge or penalty. This can be done through your attorney without you having to appear in court. However, plea bargains are not always available, and the terms may not be favorable.

Dealing with an outstanding warrant in Florida when you are living out of state can be a challenging and stressful experience. The best course of action is to hire an attorney to represent you and navigate the legal system. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to turn yourself in, obtain a bail bond, attend court, seek legal help in your home state, or resolve the Warrant through a plea bargain. By taking proactive steps to address the Warrant, you can minimize the legal consequences and protect your future.

Call Us 24/7 at 1-888-484-5057 For a Free Consultation

If you or someone you know has an outstanding warrant in Florida, it is important to take action immediately. The experienced attorneys at Musca Law, P.A. can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Don't wait until it's too late – call Musca Law, P.A. at 1-888-484-5057 to schedule a free consultation today. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome. Let us put our expertise to work for you – call us today to get started.