Finding out that you have an active warrant without realizing it in Pinellas County can stop you in your tracks. Whether it is the result of a missed court date, unpaid fines, or a new criminal accusation, ignoring it will only make things harder.
What you should do is take the right steps early and seek counsel from a Clearwater criminal defense attorney with The Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier to make a meaningful difference in your situation.
Before you do anything else or make any rash decisions, you should make sure the warrant actually exists. Pinellas County issues different types of warrants, each of which carries its own purpose and potential consequences. You can easily check through the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, look through public court records, or have an attorney confirm it for you.
Knowing exactly what the warrant is for can help you strategically plan your next move, instead of reacting blindly.
If you do have a warrant, reaching out to a trusted St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney should be your first priority. Many people feel tempted to wait and hope that the warrant gets forgotten about, but warrants do not go away on their own.
An attorney can contact the court on your behalf, find out what led to the warrant, and start working toward a solution that protects you as much as possible.
There are some cases where your attorney may recommend arranging a voluntary surrender. While turning yourself in may feel like the opposite of what you should be doing, doing it with an attorney watching your back and helping to guide the process can actually lead to a quicker and smoother release. It also shows the court that you are taking the matter seriously.
Your attorney can also often coordinate with the jail to reduce your wait time and help you pursue bail or other release options.
Once court proceedings begin to get scheduled, you absolutely have to show up for each and every hearing. Missing, or even being late, to even one date can put you right back in square one.
Your criminal defense attorney in St. Petersburg with The Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier will take the time to explain what to expect at each hearing throughout the entirety of your case so that you can stay on top of any deadlines, paperwork, and conditions the court imposes.
Sometimes a warrant stems from something simple, like forgetting a court date or not realizing a a probation obligation was still outstanding. Other times, it reflects a larger legal situation, such as the allegation of committing a criminal offense. Either way, intentionally taking steps to ultimately resolve whatever issue there is may cause the court to view your situation more favorably. Completing required programs, catching up on payments, or following through on court orders shows genuine effort and can make a positive impression on the court, which can make all the difference as your case proceeds.
Once the warrant is handled, you should take time to get organized so you do not end up in the same position again. This can include small tasks like keeping track of upcoming court dates, opening your mail, or even staying in regular contact with your attorney anytime a new legal issue comes up.
While having a warrant in Pinellas County is stressful, it does not have to derail your life. Call The Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier today at (727) 493-9386 or request a free consultation from a top Clearwater criminal defense attorney.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.