Why are Arrest Warrants Issued?

 Posted on April 11,2024 in Criminal Defense

If there is a warrant for your arrest, you may not even know it until you are being escorted to the police station. Since you will likely not be notified, the Connecticut Judicial Branch allows individuals to search their names in the database to see if there are any warrants out for their arrest.

Although many people think that an arrest warrant is only issued if law enforcement has concrete evidence to charge you with a crime, there are a variety of circumstances in which you may be issued an arrest warrant. 

In this blog, our Stamford criminal defense lawyer discusses five reasons why an arrest warrant may be issued in Connecticut. 

There is Probable Cause That You Committed a Crime

If the police have sufficient evidence that leads them to believe that you committed a crime, they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Known as probable cause, law enforcement must have trustworthy evidence connecting you to the alleged crime. 

However, there are circumstances in which law enforcement can arrest you even without a warrant. Under Connecticut law, a police officer is allowed to arrest someone if the officer witnesses that person in the act of committing a crime. 

If you have an outstanding arrest warrant, it is important that you contact a Fairfield County criminal defense lawyer immediately. 

Failure to Appear

If you fail to appear in court, a judge can put a warrant out for your arrest. Known as a bench warrant, law enforcement will not actively search for you if there is a warrant out for your arrest. Oftentimes the police may discover that there is an arrest warrant in that person’s name after stopping them for another reason entirely, such as being pulled over for a routine traffic stop.

Failing to Pay Child Support

A child support order is mandated by the court. A parent who is ordered to pay child support must do so until the child turns 18. If you have not paid for an extended time period, the court can put a warrant out for your arrest.

Other consequences may include having your wages garnished, your tax refund intercepted, and your bank accounts seized.

Violating Your Probation or Parole

If you are found to be in violation of your probation or parole, a warrant could be issued for your arrest. There are a number of rules that a person must follow when on probation or parole, and the court does not go lightly if you decide not to follow protocol.

You Have an Out-of-State Arrest Warrant

Many people think that if there is a warrant for their arrest in one state, they can avoid being arrested simply by moving to another state. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, if you have a warrant for your arrest in another state, Connecticut General Statutes §54-158 requires the state governor to have you extradited back to your home state.  

Contact our Stamford, CT, Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

We understand the stress of being under criminal investigation. The moment you learn that an arrest warrant is issued in your name is the moment you need to contact our Fairfield County, CT, criminal defense lawyer. To schedule your free consultation, contact the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner online or by calling 203-348-5846.