When a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you can't ignore it. Warrants don't disappear until a matter has been resolved. Read on and find out what you can do if you learn of a warrant and how you can prepare to be bailed out of jail.

Types of Warrants

A warrant means that probable cause exists to make an arrest. It doesn't mean you are guilty of a crime; however, it does mean you are being suspected of committing a crime. Several types of warrants can be trouble for those named:

• A bench warrant can be issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court as ordered.
• A warrant can be issued if an investigation or evidence points in your direction.
• Warrants may be issued by a judge and can be telephonic or written. Telephonic warrants are followed up with paperwork later.
• You can have a warrant issued for your arrest if you have unpaid traffic tickets or court costs.

What to Do When a Warrant Comes to Your Attention

Here are suggestions on actions to take once you confirm you have a warrant out for your arrest:

1. Find out as much as possible about the warrant and how it can be resolved. For example, unpaid traffic ticket warrants can be resolved just by paying the fines.
2. Let your family know that you have a warrant and that you could be arrested. You don't want to traumatize family by springing it on them suddenly. They may be the ones who bail you out and they need to prepare for this too.
3. If you need to, plan for the care of your children and pets. There is no way of knowing for sure how long you will be jailed.
4. Contact a criminal defense attorney. They can arrange for you to turn yourself in so you can avoid being arrested at your home, work, or elsewhere.
5. Contact a bail bonding agency. You can find out how much the bail might be given your charges and you can begin the paperwork to be bailed out. You might cut the time short you must wait in jail by speaking to a bail bonding agency ahead of time.

While you have the option of paying the full cost of the bail to the court, bail bonding is a much less expensive option. For a fraction of the cost of the full bail, you can obtain freedom from jail. To find out more, speak to a local bail bonding agency—such as A Professional Bail Bonds—about your upcoming arrest.