Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Is There a Warrant Issued in My Name?
There are numerous warrants issued for almost every type of crime that occurs in Florida. The warrant system is used to apprehend criminals and those accused of a crime. Despite the belief that warrants expire, they do not. Additionally, warrants can be executed at anytime. Just because you may not be located within the territory of the state that issued a warrant, you are not safe from exposure to arrest. It is common for warrants to be issued for both felonies and misdemeanors in Florida. A warrant will be active until it is served, the individual dies, or the judge recalls the warrant. It is important to resolve a warrant promptly, so one does not have to deal with a multitude of problems unexpectedly. Your arrest could result from the most minor traffic stop for a tailgate light.
The FDLE has a database which usually lists active warrants and may be found online at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/. You can select “search wanted persons” and you will be taken to a search screen.
What Should I do if I have an Outstanding Warrant?
If you have discovered that you have an outstanding warrant, you should seek professional advice from an experienced attorney. The author has on some occasions been able to contact the judge that has been assigned to the case or the judge that issued the warrant and schedule a court date and have the warrant discharged upon the attorney’s assurance to the judge that the client will appear for the next hearing. Such is far less likely to occur with more serious cimonal charges.
How Should I Deal with a Warrant for My Arrest?
If you have seen a criminal attorney to consult with regarding the warrant then you have taken a positive first step. The attorney will likely look into your charges to see what possible outcomes can be agreed upon. A good attorney will help guide you through the pitfalls of plea negotiations if the state is open or agreeable to such and you and your attorney have decided that a plea is possibly in your best interests. It is important to deal with the warrant and have it discharged or the Defendant faces possible arrest when he or she is least prepared for it. Additionally, having a warrant may impair one’s ability to find employment if the employer performs background checks. Once you resolve the case, it may be worth considering expunging or sealing the case.
Should I Seal or Expunge My Record?
Sealing a court record prevents most people from viewing it without a court order. If a court enters a withheld adjudication to a criminal charge, the record may qualify to be sealed. Expunging a record destroys the record itself. However, it is the author’s understanding that a copy of an expunged record exists that can be viewed with a court order should one apply for a job that requires revealing the expunged document or other similar circumstance. Not all records can be sealed, as an example, conviction for any crime cannot be sealed. A withheld adjudication is not technically a conviction and can qualify a case for sealing. Certain charges are statutorily prohibited from being sealed or expunged. Domestic Battery and Domestic Assault are examples of charges that cannot be sealed or expunged with a withheld adjudication disposition.
Get Professional Help from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of a crime, it is important that you not delay dealing with the issue. Not only does a warrant not expire, but a judge may take into consideration a long delay in turning yourself in and dealing with the charges when considering the amount of bond to release you.
Fortunately, the attorneys at the Law office of David Goldman are here to assist you. If you have been charged with a crime, an experienced criminal attorney can represent you in court and defend your case. The Law Office of David Goldman offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and to help you determine a strategy that is in your best interests to help discharge the warrant and to deal with the underlying charges.
About the author
Neil Weinreb is a licensed Florida attorney who has been handling criminal cases for over 17 years in North Florida. Mr. Weinreb works for the Law Office of David M. Goldman in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Weinreb has worked as an adjunct professor teaching law to paralegal students at Jones College in Jacksonville, Florida. You can contact Mr. Weinreb at the Law Office of David M. Goldman for a free initial consultation today to find out how having an experienced attorney on your side can help. Call (904) 685-1200 today. Law Office of David M. Goldman, PLLC, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Telephone (904) 685-1200.