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How to Know if You Have a Warrant in New York
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that discovering you might have a warrant can create panic. Maybe you missed a court date. Perhaps you heard rumors that the police were looking for you, or you got a tip from a friend who saw your name on a court website. Regardless, having an outstanding warrant in New York can put your life on hold until it’s resolved.
Why Warrants are Issued
In New York, judges can issue warrants for many reasons. Commonly, there are two main types of warrants issued by judges:
- Bench Warrant: Issued when you fail to appear in court or disobey a court order. You could have been required to attend a hearing, and if you missed it, the judge might sign a bench warrant for your arrest. Under Criminal Procedure Law § 530.70, bench warrants are standard whenever someone skips a required appearance.
- Arrest Warrant: This is based on an accusation you committed a crime. If a judge decides there is probable cause—like sworn statements, evidence, or a grand jury indictment—they can sign an arrest warrant under Criminal Procedure Law § 120.
In either scenario, the police can, and will, detain you. Depending on the offense, they might come to your home or workplace. If the issue is serious enough, you could even face a federal warrant if the alleged crime crosses state lines or involves federal law enforcement agencies.
Signs You May Have a Warrant
Sometimes, the court will notify you by mail, but often, you receive no formal warning. You might hear rumors, or you realize you never went to court when required. You could see your name on an online court docket, or local authorities might show up at your door without prior notice. If you suspect a warrant might be out there, confirm it rather than ignore it. Waiting can make your situation worse, including the risk of an unexpected arrest at a traffic stop or while traveling.
Checking for Warrants
Below are some immediate steps you can take if you think there’s a warrant with your name on it.
- Contact the Court Clerk
- Scenario: You remember a specific summons or missed hearing.
- Approach: Call the clerk of the court handling your case. Ask if there is an active warrant under your name. Keep it short and factual. You don’t have to explain yourself at length on the phone; you just need confirmation of the warrants existence.
- Check Online Databases
- Scenario: Certain counties in New York list active warrants on official websites.
- Approach: Review the county or city court’s online portal. Remember, not all warrants are publicly shown, especially in sensitive cases.
- Hire an Attorney to Do a Background Check
- Scenario: You want professional discretion.
- Approach: At Spodek Law Group, we can discreetly investigate whether a warrant exists or not. We know how to check court databases, speak with law enforcement when needed, and keep your privacy.
- Call Law Enforcement (with caution)
- Scenario: You want direct info from the source.
- Approach: This can be risky. If you call the police directly, they might track you or insist you come in immediately. It’s often safer to have an attorney handle these communications.
Key Differences Between Bench Warrants and Arrest Warrants
| Type of Warrant | Reason Issued | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Bench Warrant | Missing a court date or violating court rules | Police can arrest you any time; bail might be higher next time |
| Arrest Warrant | Probable cause you committed a crime | Potential immediate arraignment and possible jail time |
Federal vs. State Warrants
In most cases, warrants in New York are handled at the state level. However, if your alleged conduct involves interstate commerce, mail fraud, or other federal offenses (such as 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343 for fraud), federal authorities might secure a federal warrant. That often triggers a whole different process. If you’re worried about overlapping state and federal interests, our attorneys can step in. We have experience dealing with multi-jurisdictional cases, so we know how to argue double jeopardy issues if multiple agencies target you for the same conduct.
Potential Penalties and What Happens Next
A warrant doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted. But it does mean you could be arrested and arraigned before a judge. If it’s a bench warrant, the judge might be skeptical about letting you out on reasonable bail, given you missed a court appearance in the past. If it’s an arrest warrant, you could be facing serious felony or misdemeanor charges—anything from petit larceny to homicide. Each charge carries its own penalties, from jail time to high fines and long-term supervision.
Failing to address a warrant can make your situation worse, because the court might impose additional conditions or higher bail. Even a minor bench warrant can escalate into a more serious matter if you’re picked up unexpectedly. That’s why we always advise facing it head-on.