If you suspect or are aware that a warrant for your arrest has been issued, you must react immediately. As the arrest means that you will be deprived of your freedom, any postponement or failure to react can be detrimental to your rights.

Here is the most important info you need to know regarding the arrest warrant in the state of Maryland.

What is an Arrest Warrant?

A pending arrest warrant means that a district court commissioner, circuit court judge, or circuit court clerk instructed by a judge, has empowered the police to arrest and detain you on sight.

You must know that an arrest warrant is an official order with the authority of the state behind it, so any resistance to the arrest will put you in a very bad position.

With a proper and timely reaction, an arrest warrant can be recalled and turned into a court summon or surrender to the police. This way, you can comply with the order of the state and avoid the unpleasantries of an arrest, at the same time.

Types of Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant can be issued for different reasons, but this usually means that you are suspected to have committed a criminal offense (breaking and entering, assault, drug charges, theft, sex offense, murder, even child pornography charges).

Also, there are other situations where your arrest can be ordered by the state such as a Bench Warrant. This is when a person disobeys a court decision, violates probation, or fails to appear in court on a scheduled hearing. This can also result in a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail – or both.

What You Should Do

If you suspect that there is an arrest warrant against you, you can do your own warrant search by contacting the police department, or court clerk's office, or search the online registers on the Maryland Courts website. However, unserved warrants in new cases will rarely be listed on public sites nor will the clerk give you information on them.

If you are not familiar with the criminal proceedings and especially if you know that there is a warrant issued for your arrest, the best possible reaction is to immediately seek help from an experienced criminal attorney.

With professional assistance, you will not expose yourself to making unnecessary mistakes that can cause stress and cost you your freedom. A reliable attorney will find all details about the arrest warrant, know exactly what steps should be taken, and make sure that your civil rights are protected and preserved to the maximum extent practicable, as permitted by law and your situation.

Contact Craig M. Kadish & Associates

If you have any questions about the criminal proceedings in the state of Maryland, or if there is a warrant issued for your arrest, contact us 24/7. Our team of lawyers has 30+ years of experience in the most complex Maryland criminal proceedings and will take care of your rights and give you the guidance and representation you deserve throughout the process.