A warrant is a written order from a court directed to an officer of the law commanding them to arrest a person. There are two types of warrants that can be issued. The first type of warrant is a bench warrant. A bench warrant is one usually issued when a person has failed to appear in court. Bench warrants are most common in traffic offense cases. The second type of warrant is an arrest warrant that is started by a police officer. In order to obtain an arrest warrant, the police officer must make a statement to the court explaining why they believe that the person has committed a crime. If the judge accepts the explanation, the warrant is signed and the officer can proceed with making an arrest.
Warrants in Will County or other Illinois counties, can be issued for ordinance violations, traffic offenses, felonies and misdemeanors, just to name a few. A traffic warrant, for example, is issued when a person fails to pay traffic fines or appear in court. When you find out that you have a warrant out for your arrest, no matter which kind, the next best step to take is to contact an experienced attorney. The attorney can contact the court that issued the warrant, find out further details and set up a date for you to appear in court and for you to pay any fines that may be attached to the warrant.
Once you find out you have a warrant out for your arrest, contacting a Joliet or Will County attorney will be very beneficial to help you through the process. If you have recently discovered that you have a warrant out for your arrest or have questions about the warrant process in Will County, Illinois, contact Hamilton & Antonsen at 815.729.9220 to set up a free consultation.