How to Quash an Arrest Warrant in Pierce County, WA

Arrest warrants can be very scary once you find out about them, but they are not always as intimidating as you might think. While arrest warrants issued during criminal investigations are serious and require immediate legal attention, bench warrants are arguably less severe. With the help of a lawyer, it may be possible to quash either kind of warrant.

If an arrest warrant is issued because the police suspect you have committed a crime, you should get a lawyer to help you immediately. If you did not commit the crime or the warrant is somehow faulty, your attorney can help you fight it. If you are dealing with a bench warrant, which is not issued for a new crime, your attorney may only need to contact the court and reschedule your court date to quash the warrant.

For a private legal review from our Washington criminal defense lawyers, call the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.

How Can I Quash an Arrest Warrant in Pierce County, WA?

When a warrant is issued for your arrest, you might not know about it until the police put cuffs on your wrists. However, if you do know about the warrant, an attorney can help you try to quash it and hopefully avoid arrest.

Bench Warrants

Bench warrants do not come from the police but are instead issued by judges, often because a defendant has missed a court hearing. Since bench warrants are not issued for new crimes, the police do not tend to prioritize them. Many people have outstanding bench warrants for years before they learn about them.

Perhaps the easiest way to quash a bench warrant is to have our Pierce County, WA criminal defense lawyers contact the court and reschedule whatever hearing you missed. The judge who issued the warrant may lift it once a new hearing is scheduled. However, if you missed a very serious hearing or a hearing related to a serious crime, the court might be less forgiving.

Arrest Warrants Based on Probable Cause

Arrest warrants issued for new crimes are extremely serious. The police highly prioritize these arrest warrants and may act quickly to arrest you. Many people are unaware of arrest warrants until after they are arrested.

Even so, if you learn of the warrant ahead of time, an attorney may help you fight it, depending on the circumstances. If the warrant is based on insufficient evidence or is simply incorrect, you might be able to fight it.

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

Your best bet is contact an attorney for help immediately. Your attorney can determine if the warrant is serious or if you only need to reschedule a hearing. They can also inform you of how to protect yourself and your rights if you are arrested.

Should I Turn Myself In if There is a Warrant for My Arrest?

Sometimes, the best way to deal with a warrant is to turn yourself in and face the authorities. However, this should not be undertaken without first seeking legal advice.

When to Turn Yourself In

It might be advisable to turn yourself in if the police are actively looking for you as part of a criminal investigation. The fact that you cooperated with the police and turned yourself in may work in your favor, as it shows you have nothing to hide.

Whatever you do, do not try to turn yourself in without a lawyer. Your attorney should go with you to the police station to turn yourself in, and they can protect your rights every step of the way. This may be a good idea if you know you did not commit the crime and can quickly correct the mistake by communicating directly with the police.

How to Prepare to Turn Yourself In

Before turning yourself in, consult with a lawyer. You should develop a plan for what to do after the police take you into custody. Your first plan might be to clear up whatever mistake led to your arrest. For example, if you have an alibi or the police have the wrong person, you can explain the error. However, you must have a backup plan in case the police do not believe you.

When Not to Turn Yourself In

If the arrest warrant is not the result of a mistake, and you do not have an alibi, be very careful about turning yourself in. It may be best to consult with a lawyer and patiently wait for the police to make their next move. All the while, you and your lawyer can plan your defense, so you are as prepared as possible for the day you are arrested.

FAQs About Quashing Arrest Warrants in Pierce County, WA

How Do I Quash a Bench Warrant?

Bench warrants are issued by judges, typically when a person misses a court date. To quash a bench warrant, you should ask your attorney to contact the court and reschedule the missed hearing. Often, judges will lift bench warrants once a hearing has been rescheduled.

How Do I Quash an Arrest Warrant Issued as Part of a Criminal Investigation?

If an arrest warrant has been issued for you in connection with a crime, you should call a defense lawyer immediately. It might be possible to challenge the warrant if you did not commit the crime or if the warrant is legally faulty. However, you may be arrested and taken into custody before the situation is resolved.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Quash an Arrest Warrant?

Yes. Whether you are facing a bench warrant or a criminal arrest warrant, your freedom is at risk, and you should hire an experienced attorney. They may know the fastest, most efficient way to quash the warrant and protect your rights.

Will I Be Taken Into Police Custody if I Quash an Arrest Warrant?

Possibly. While the police can arrest you on a bench warrant, they may inform you of the warrant and direct you to the court to resolve the issue. If you are facing a criminal arrest warrant, the police may quickly move in to take you into custody, and you might be unable to quash it if you do not know about the warrant ahead of time.

Will I Be Criminally Charged if I Quash an Arrest Warrant?

Not necessarily. Bench warrants are not issued for new crimes; therefore, it is unlikely that you will be charged after arrest. However, you could be criminally charged if you are arrested based on a criminal arrest warrant. Even so, your arrest does not automatically mean you will be charged. You could be released without charges for any number of reasons.

Why Are Arrest Warrants Usually Quashed?

Many arrest warrants are quashed because the evidence supporting them is insufficient and does not constitute probable cause to arrest. Bench warrants are often quashed when defendants contact the court to reschedule missed hearings or otherwise resolve the basis for the warrant.

Speak to Our Pierce County, WA Criminal Defense Lawyers About Your Warrant Now

For a confidential legal review from our Pierce County, WA criminal defense lawyers, call the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645.