What Should You Do If You Have a Felony Warrant in Arizona?
What Should You Do If You Have a Felony Warrant in Arizona?
Finding out you may have a felony warrant in Arizona can be terrifying. You may be worried about being arrested at home, at work, during a traffic stop, at the airport, or while traveling. That fear is understandable, but ignoring the warrant is one of the worst things you can do.
A felony warrant doesn’t usually go away on its own. In many cases, the longer it’s ignored, the more difficult the situation becomes. If you believe you have a felony warrant in Arizona, the safest first step is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before trying to handle the warrant alone.
At The Nava Law Firm, we help people throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, and across Arizona understand their rights, assess their risk, and take the next step with a plan.
What Is a Felony Warrant in Arizona?
A felony warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to arrest someone in connection with a felony case. In simple terms, it means a judge or court has determined there is a legal reason for police to take that person into custody.
Felony warrants can occur in several situations, including:
- New felony charges
- Missing a court date
- Probation violations
- Failure to comply with court orders
- An indictment or direct complaint
- Other allegations connected to an open felony case
The right approach may depend on whether the warrant is connected to a new felony allegation, a missed court date, a probation violation, or another issue in an existing case.
Because felony charges carry serious consequences, a felony warrant should always be treated as urgent. Even if you believe the warrant was issued by mistake, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney before contacting police or walking into court.
How Do You Know If You Have a Felony Warrant?
Some people know right away that they may have a warrant. Others find out after weeks, months, or even years have passed.
You may discover a felony warrant because:
- You missed a court date
- You received a notice from the court
- A family member was contacted by law enforcement
- A background check showed an active warrant
- A bondsman contacted you
- You were stopped by police
- You moved and never received court notices
- You searched court records and found an active case
It’s also possible to have a warrant without realizing it, especially if court notices were sent to an old address or if you didn’t understand that a court appearance was required. However, even if the warrant resulted from confusion or a notice issue, it still needs to be addressed properly.
What Should You Do First If You Have a Felony Warrant?
Do Not Ignore the Warrant
Ignoring a felony warrant can make the situation worse. If law enforcement discovers the warrant, you may be arrested unexpectedly. That could happen during a traffic stop, at your home, at your job, or while traveling.
Waiting also gives the court less reason to believe you’re taking the case seriously. Acting quickly can help show that you are trying to address the issue responsibly.
Do Not Contact Police or the Court Without Legal Guidance
It may seem like the right thing to do to call the court or police and explain what happened. However, this can create major risks if you don’t understand the underlying charge, the type of warrant, whether bond has been set, or whether you could be taken into custody.
Anything you say could affect your case. Before making calls, appearing in court, or speaking with law enforcement, talk to a criminal defense attorney who can help you understand what you’re facing.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Quickly
A criminal defense attorney can help determine what type of warrant exists, why it was issued, and what options may be available. An attorney can help you understand your options and take the next step with a plan.
That may involve:
- Filing a motion
- Communicating with the court
- Preparing you for a court appearance
- Helping reduce the risk of being taken into custody without a plan
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you can understand your options.
Can a Felony Warrant Be Quashed in Arizona?
To “quash” a warrant means to ask the court to cancel or recall it. If a warrant is quashed, law enforcement is no longer authorized to arrest you based on that warrant.
In some Arizona felony cases, it may be possible to ask the court to quash a warrant. Whether the court will agree depends on the specific circumstances, including:
- The type of warrant
- The reason the warrant was issued
- The underlying felony charge
- Your criminal history
- Whether you previously missed court
- Whether you have other pending cases
- The judge’s decision
For example, a warrant issued because someone missed court may be handled differently than a warrant connected to a new felony charge or a probation violation. In some cases, the court may require the person to appear before the judge before the warrant can be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Warrants in Arizona
Should I turn myself in if I have a felony warrant?
You should speak with an attorney before deciding whether, when, and how to turn yourself in. In some cases, there may be steps an attorney can take before you appear in court or surrender to law enforcement.
Can I be arrested during a traffic stop?
Yes. If police discover an active felony warrant during a traffic stop, you may be arrested and taken into custody.
What happens after I am arrested on a felony warrant?
You may be booked into jail and brought before a judge for an initial appearance. The court may address the allegations, bond, release conditions, no-contact orders, and future court dates.
Can I leave Arizona if I have a felony warrant?
Leaving Arizona does not make the warrant go away. It may still appear in law enforcement systems, and you may still face arrest. You should speak with an attorney before traveling or making decisions about the warrant.
Will I have to pay bond?
Maybe. Bond depends on several factors, including the charge, the type of warrant, your criminal history, prior court appearances, public safety concerns, and the judge’s decision.
Can I handle an Arizona felony warrant if I live in another state?
In some cases, an attorney may be able to help address the warrant or communicate with the court, but it depends on the facts of the case. You should not assume you have to travel back to Arizona immediately without first getting legal advice.
Contact The Nava Law Firm About a Felony Warrant in Arizona
If you believe you have a felony warrant in Arizona, don’t wait and don’t try to handle it alone. A felony warrant can lead to an unexpected arrest, and the decisions you make now may affect the rest of your case.
The Nava Law Firm helps clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, and throughout Arizona with felony warrants and criminal defense matters.
Contact our team today for a free consultation before speaking with police, appearing in court, or trying to resolve the warrant on your own.
