What to Do If There is a Warrant Out Against You?

Discovering that there is a warrant out for your arrest can be frightening, confusing, and overwhelming. Whether you learned about the warrant from a letter, a phone call, a background check, or word of mouth, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. As a criminal defense lawyer in Indiana, I regularly speak with clients who waited too long to take action—often making the situation more stressful, complicated, and costly than it needed to be.

This guide explains what an arrest warrant means, how to confirm whether a warrant exists, and the steps you should take immediately to protect your rights. If you believe you may have an active warrant, the smartest first move is contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the next steps safely and strategically.

An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to detain you. In Indiana, a judge typically issues a warrant when:

• You are suspected of committing a crime 
• You fail to appear in court (“FTA”)
• You violate the terms of probation or pre-trial release
• A prosecutor files criminal charges and the court sets bond
   

Once issued, the warrant empowers police to take you into custody at any time—during a traffic stop, at home, at work, or even in another state. Warrants do not expire on their own. They remain active until executed or resolved by the court.

This is why it is essential not to wait. Addressing a warrant proactively often leads to better outcomes, including reduced bond, faster release, and a more favorable overall case strategy.

You should never confirm a warrant by calling the police on your own. If you walk into a police station to “ask questions,” you can be taken into custody immediately.

Instead, consider safer methods:

Indiana’s MyCase system allows many warrants to be viewed online, though not all appear—especially in sealed or sensitive matters.

A lawyer can discreetly confirm:

• Whether a warrant exists
• The type of warrant (arrest warrant, bench warrant, probation violation, etc.)
• The bond amount
• Which court issued it 
• Whether the prosecutor has filed charges
   

Having this information before taking action helps prevent surprises and prepares you for what comes next.

Some people hope that a misunderstanding will “clear itself up” or that they can simply avoid contact with law enforcement. Unfortunately, this strategy almost always backfires.

Ignoring a warrant can lead to:

• Arrest at work or in front of family
• Additional criminal charges 
• Higher bond amounts
• A judge viewing you as uncooperative
• A worse position in plea negotiations
   

Taking control of the situation shows responsibility and can significantly improve how the court views you.

If you suspect or know that a warrant is active, your most important step is contacting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you:

• Confirm the warrant
• Contact the court or prosecutor on your behalf
• Negotiate conditions of surrender
• Seek a reduced bond
• Arrange for a quick release 
• Begin preparing your legal defense immediately
   

A voluntary surrender—planned with the assistance of your lawyer—is almost always better than being unexpectedly arrested.

A controlled surrender can:

• Reduce the amount of time you spend in custody
• Improve your chances of receiving a lower bond 
• Allow you to arrange childcare, work coverage, and transportation
• Show the court that you are taking responsibility
   

Your lawyer can coordinate the timing with the sheriff’s office, advise you on what to bring, and in some counties, even pre-arrange a same-day bond hearing to minimize your time behind bars.

Indiana courts typically set bond at the time the warrant is issued. Your criminal defense attorney can often:

• Request a bond reduction
• Present evidence about your employment, family ties, and stability
• Argue for release on recognizance (PR or bond)
   

Judges respond more favorably when you appear with counsel and demonstrate a plan for compliance.

During the surrender or arrest process, remember:

• You do not have to answer questions
• You do not have to give a statement
• You should not discuss your case with police, other inmates, or anyone besides your lawyer
   

Simply state:
“I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to speak with my attorney.”

Anything you say during this period can be used against you later. Silence is always the safest choice.

Once the warrant is resolved and you are released, your case officially moves forward. Your lawyer will begin:

• Reviewing evidence
• Requesting police reports, videos, and witness statements
• Analyzing the legality of the warrant and arrest
• Preparing motions to suppress if appropriate
• Negotiating with the prosecutor 
• Building a defense strategy tailored to your goals
   

Handling the warrant early gives your attorney more time and leverage to build a strong defense.

The faster you take control of the situation, the better your chances of:

• Reducing the legal consequences
• Securing a manageable bond
• Avoiding unnecessary jail time
• Improving your position with the court 
• Preserving critical evidence
   

From a legal and personal standpoint, addressing a warrant promptly is the most effective way to protect your rights and your future.

If you believe there may be a warrant out for your arrest—or if you have already confirmed one—contacting a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is the best step you can take to protect yourself. You do not have to face this situation alone, and you do not have to wait to be arrested unexpectedly.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your options, plan a safe and strategic surrender, and build a strong defense from day one.

If you need immediate help, reach out today. Your future, your freedom, and your peace of mind are too important to leave to chance.