Understand if the police see you – they can arrest you.
If you come into contact with law enforcement while you have an active warrant, they can take you into custody. Getting a traffic ticket while driving a vehicle is probably the most likely way to come into contact with the police.
Better to deal with the warrant before they catch you.
Dealing with the warrant before you are picked up will show the court you are acting in good faith. But, if they pick you up first, the court may want to hold on to you until your case is resolved.
What will happen if I get arrested?
They will handcuff you and transport you to a detention facility. Once there, you will see a commissioner. And then, if necessary, a judge regarding bail.
What if I get arrested when I’m out-of-state?
They could extradite you. Maryland may send a white van to pick you up and drive you back. It will not be a fun trip. They may, or may not, stop at a drive thru.
Will the police come to my house to arrest me?
Possibly. It will depend on your charges. Also, whether or not they know where you are. Also, how busy the police are.
Will the police call ahead of time to let you know that they are on the way to your home?
No. But, they may send you a letter notifying you that you have a bench warrant.
If I have a warrant, how can I avoid getting arrested?
One way would be to have a lawyer file a motion to quash the warrant. Once the warrant is recalled, your name will be removed from the data base and there will no longer be the threat of arrest.
Can I use the public defender’s office to recall the warrant?
Probably not. The public defender’s office is usually highly overextended. As a policy, most public defenders will not deal with a bench warrant.
How long does it take to get the warrant recalled?
The court has 30 days to rule on the motion to quash. But, it usually comes back within a week or two. And sometimes even within a couple of days.
What is it like in jail?
The first thing you will notice is the smell. As soon as you step in you will detect an odor of disinfectant, body odor, vomit and urine. Similar to a portable construction site toilet. You may also notice it’s very noisy. You can expect to hear loud conversations, arguing, PA announcements, and inmates drumming non-stop rhythms on tables. The noise will make it difficult to sleep, which will further add to your stress.
What can I do to help a family member or friend who is in jail?
You can put money on their books. They can use the money for the commissary to buy snacks, clothing and other items to make things a little easier on them.
Dos and Don’ts while your friend or family member is in jail
- Do put money into their trust account
- Do accept their calls
- Do write them letters or emails (if available)
- Do hire them a lawyer if you can afford it
- Don’t discuss their case over the phone
- Don’t contact victims
- Don’t try to sneak in contraband
- Don’t watch Shawshank Redemption or any other prison films