Often times a person is not immediately arrested following the commission of a criminal offense. A police investigation into a crime can take days, weeks or years depending upon the unique circumstance of the case.
When a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that you have committed an offense, they may seek an arrest warrant. (Probable cause simply means that it is more likely than not that a criminal offense was committed and you are the person responsible). An arrest warrant is a piece of paper signed by a Judge that permits the police to find you and place you into custody.
Procedurally, the law enforcement officer swears to the truth and accuracy of the information contained in the warrant and presents the warrant to a Judge. The Judge almost always finds probable cause and signs the warrant into effect. At 2am the Police knock down your door and arrest you on the warrant.
I have a warrant out for my arrest – what do I do?
If you believe you have an outstanding warrant you must turn yourself in. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate that process and, because you turned yourself in, make a compelling argument that you should be released on bail.