Warrants in San Antonio or Bexar County: What Should I Do If I Have a Warrant?

If you think or know that you have a warrant for your arrest, this blog post is designed to provide you with essential information and guidance to the question: What Should I Do If I Have a Warrant? Understanding warrants, their implications, and the steps you can take to avoid arrest is important. As an experienced attorney, I'm here to help you navigate this challenging situation, protect your rights, and help you avoid the embarrassment of a public arrest. Read on to learn more about what to do if you have a warrant and how I can assist you.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that grants law enforcement the authority to take a person into custody. It serves as official authorization to arrest an individual and bring them before the court to face charges. Warrants are a serious matter that should never be ignored or taken lightly.

There are different types of warrants, each serving a specific purpose within the criminal justice system. Some common types of warrants include:

Arrest Warrants: There are the most common warrants and are issued when there is probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime. They authorize law enforcement to arrest the person named in the warrant.

Warrants for a Motion to Revoke Probation: If someone is on probation and violates the terms of their probation, such as by committing a new offense or failing to comply with specific conditions, a warrant for their arrest may be issued to revoke their probation and initiate further legal proceedings.

Surety to Surrender Warrants: These warrants are related to bail bonds. If a person who has been released on bail and their bail bondsman believes they are likely to skip court, they can request the judge to preemptively revoke the bond and a surety to surrender warrant may be issued, allowing the bail bondsman or law enforcement to apprehend the individual and return them to custody.

Warrants for Failure to Appear: When an individual fails to appear in court as scheduled, a warrant for failure to appear may be issued. This warrants their arrest and compels them to appear before the court to address the underlying charges.

It is essential to take warrants seriously and address them promptly. Ignoring a warrant can lead to serious consequences, including arrest, a negative impact on personal and professional life, and the potential for additional charges for anything that might be going on when you are arrested. By taking immediate action and seeking legal assistance, you can navigate the warrant process more effectively and minimize potential complications.

How Do I Know If I Have a Warrant?

If you suspect you have a warrant for your arrest, the first and most important step is finding out from an official source whether you have a warrant and whether it’s active. Many times, people suspect they might have a warrant based on a situation they were involved with or might be told by someone that a crime has been reported. Sometimes, police investigators might reach out to ask you some questions, which tips you off they may get a warrant down the road.

To actively determine if a warrant has been issued against you in San Antonio or Bexar County, you can contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 210-335-6030. You should always assume every contact with law enforcement is recorded and restrict your conversation to simply asking if you have a warrant. Do not attempt to explain your case or give any information other than your name and date of birth over the phone.

If you suspect or discover that you have a warrant, do not delay in seeking legal representation. Contact my office for a free consultation, and together, we can assess the situation, explore your options, and develop a strategic plan to address the warrant effectively.

How Can I Avoid Being Arrested?

When facing a warrant for your arrest, you always want to take steps to be cooperative with law enforcement and arrange to turn yourself in. This is important because it shows how seriously you take the accusations, which helps with defending against the charges down the road. But it also prevents the embarrassment of a public arrest and the uncertainties that might occur, such as being found in circumstances that might lead to an arrest for a new crime. By enlisting the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney, you can protect your rights, minimize the risk of arrest, and navigate the warrant process more effectively.

Many times, when warrants are issued, the judge does not set a bond amount, leaving it up to the magistrate to set a bond after you have been arrested. If you hire an attorney, they can request the court to set a bond on your behalf before the arrest. A bond is an amount of money that allows you to secure your release from custody while your case is pending. By having a bond set, you can avoid unnecessary time spent in jail.

After a bond is set, your attorney can help you start the "Walkthrough" process to minimize the risk of an arrest. This involves surrendering to the authorities at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Satellite Office. Before surrendering to the Sheriff’s Office, your attorney can connect you with reputable bail bondsmen who can assist you efficiently. Bail bondsmen provide financial assistance by posting the bail amount on your behalf, typically for a fee between 10-15%. They will help facilitate your release from custody once you turn yourself in, ensuring a smooth process.

These types of warrants are not eligible for the walkthrough process in Bexar County:

1. Out of County Warrants

2. Out of State Warrants

3. Warrants for Sexual Offenses

How the Satellite Bond Process Works in San Antonio:

1. Obtain a Bond Amount: Make sure your attorney provides you with the exact charges against you in the warrant and the bond amount for each charge.

2. Obtain a Bail Bond: Hire a bail bond company to post the bond before you turn yourself in to the satellite office.

3. Make Sure the Bond is Correct: The bond must state the crime charged and the bond amount. You need the original bond and two copies to take to the satellite office.

4. Bring the Bond Fee: You need to bring a $15.00 money order or cashier’s check made payable to “Bexar County Sheriff’s Office” for each warrant you have issued for your arrest. Always check with your bondsman to make sure exactly the fees you need and that the amount is accurate at the time you turn yourself in.

5. Bring a Valid ID: You need a valid form of government ID, such as a Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, Military I.D., or U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

6. Obtain References: You need the name and contact information of two people who can help get in contact with you. They cannot live together or with you.

7. Turn Yourself In: It's never certain how long the process will take, but it can typically take up to four hours. The office opens at 8:00 am and it's best to be there when they open.

The Satellite Office is located at:

100 Dolorosa

Basement 10.2

San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone:

210-335-2592

The building looks like this:

San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton

Facing a warrant for your arrest can be a daunting experience, but you don't have to face it alone. As a former chief prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal law, I understand the intricacies of the legal system and how to effectively navigate warrant cases. My firm is here to provide you with the expert guidance and representation you need to address the warrant and protect your rights.

With my background as a Board Certified Criminal Law specialist, I have demonstrated a high level of expertise and dedication to the field. I have a comprehensive understanding of the law and a track record of successfully handling complex criminal cases. When you choose my firm, you can trust that you are working with a highly qualified attorney who will fight for your best interests.

Remember, time is of the essence when dealing with a warrant. Delaying action can lead to serious consequences. By contacting my firm and scheduling a free consultation, you can take the first step toward resolving your warrant-related concerns. During our consultation, we will discuss the specifics of your case, address any questions or concerns you may have, and outline a strategic plan to tackle the situation.

Call my firm today at 210-439-5627 to schedule your free consultation. Let my expertise as a former chief prosecutor and Board Certified Criminal Law specialist guide you through this challenging time.