Steps If You Have a Federal Warrant: Advice From a Lawyer
If a federal warrant is issued for your arrest, the odds are very good that you will eventually be arrested. If you have never before been accused of a federal criminal offense, the entire experience will undoubtedly be frightening. With that in mind, a federal warrant lawyer at The Vegas Lawyers explains what steps to take if you have a federal warrant.
Step One: Understanding the Federal Criminal Justice System
The United States operates under a federalist form of government, meaning that we have a central government (federal) along with individual state governments. This division of government also results in both federal and state law enforcement agencies as well as both federal and state criminal justice systems. For a crime to be investigated and prosecuted at the federal level, federal authorities must have jurisdiction. Criminal offenses such as money laundering and drug trafficking are often prosecuted in federal court because the criminal activity “crosses state lines” or “affects interstate commerce.”
Step Two: Know What It Means If I Have a Federal Arrest Warrant
To obtain a federal arrest warrant, the United States Attorney’s Office must present sufficient evidence to a grand jury or a federal judge to conclude that probable cause exists to charge you with a crime. Once a warrant has been issued by a judge (or magistrate), the United States Marshal’s Office is tasked with locating and apprehending the suspect. Unfortunately, you may not find out that you have a federal warrant until after you are in custody. If you have reason to believe that you may have a federal arrest warrant, however, contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
Step Three: Understand Your Rights
Whether you are actually arrested or simply learn that a federal arrest warrant has been issued, it is crucial to understand that you have rights guaranteed to you by the United States Constitution. Chief among your rights is the right to remain silent. That right can only help you, however, if you exercise it by respectfully declining to speak to law enforcement officers without an attorney present. Your right to an attorney is another important constitutional right that applies if you are arrested.
Step Four: Prepare for a Detention Hearing
If you are arrested and charged with a federal crime, you will appear in court at a detention hearing shortly after your arrest. At your detention hearing, a federal judge will decide whether to allow your release while your case is pending and, if so, under what conditions. You may qualify to be released on your personal recognizance which is effectively just your promise to appear for all court hearings, or the judge may approve a conditional release. A conditional release may include paying a bond, home detention, or a variety of other conditions deemed “reasonably necessary” by the judge.
Step Five: Contact an Experienced Federal Warrant Lawyer
Whether you have reason to believe that a warrant has been (or will be) issued, or you have already been arrested on a federal warrant, consulting with an experienced federal warrant lawyer is the key to ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the criminal prosecution that is to follow.
What Should I Do If I Have a Federal Arrest Warrant in Las Vegas?
If you have questions or concerns about a federal arrest warrant, consult with an experienced federal warrant attorney at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.