What to Do If You Have a Warrant
An arrest warrant is a court order allowing police to arrest a person; a bench warrant is one a judge issues, usually because someone missed court or did not follow a court order. A warrant generally stays in effect until the person is arrested or appears in court, and only a judge can cancel it. Courts describe options such as contacting the court that issued the warrant, posting bail if the warrant allows it, turning yourself in, or asking to be put on the court calendar; which options apply depends on the court and the warrant.
What the law says
- Example (Arizona): an arrest warrant is issued to police when a judge receives a sworn statement establishing a reasonable belief that a person committed a crime; it stays in effect until the person is arrested or appears before the court on the warrant. Arizona Judicial Branch, Self-Service Center: Warrants
- Example (Arizona): only a judicial officer in the jurisdiction where the warrant arose can quash or cancel it; a prosecutor can request a warrant but cannot remove it without a court order. Arizona Judicial Branch, Self-Service Center: Warrants
- Example (Arizona): if you have a pending bench warrant, the court suggests you may want to contact the issuing court or an attorney to consider your options. After an arrest on the warrant, you see a judicial officer within 24 hours and release conditions, including bond, are considered. Arizona Judicial Branch, Self-Service Center: Warrants
- In federal court, a judge must issue an arrest warrant if a complaint and supporting affidavits establish probable cause that an offense was committed and the defendant committed it; at the government's request a summons may be issued instead. If a defendant fails to appear in response to a summons, a judge may issue a warrant (Rule 4(a)). Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4(a) (Dec. 1, 2025)
- A federal arrest warrant must name or describe the defendant, describe the offense, command that the defendant be brought without unnecessary delay before a magistrate judge, and be signed by a judge. Only a marshal or other authorized officer may execute it, and on arrest the officer must show the warrant to the defendant. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4(b)-(c) (Dec. 1, 2025)
- If someone is arrested in a federal district other than where the offense was allegedly committed, the initial appearance is held in the district of arrest (or an adjacent district), and the magistrate judge transfers the defendant once the government produces the warrant and the judge finds the defendant is the person named. Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 5(c)(2)-(3) (Dec. 1, 2025)
- Example (Washington): the state courts' free case-records search "does NOT provide active warrant information" because of a delay in uploading warrants; to check for an active warrant, contact the court where the case was filed, or your local police or sheriff's office. Washington Courts, Find Outstanding Traffic Tickets, Arrest Warrants, and Criminal History
- Example (San Luis Obispo County, California): options for an outstanding warrant include posting bail, turning yourself in to law enforcement, or calendaring the case for court; not every option applies to every warrant, so contact the court. Warrant inquiries need a name and case number, or a name and date of birth. Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, Warrants
- Example (San Luis Obispo County, California): if a warrant lists a bail amount, it can be posted at the court or a law enforcement agency, which recalls the warrant and sets a court date; if the warrant says "NO BAIL," that option is unavailable. Calendaring the case does not recall the warrant; a judge addresses it on the court date. Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, Warrants
- Example (San Luis Obispo County, California): a person who turns themselves in is taken into custody and held in the county jail until the court date; for a felony warrant, a person may be able to turn themselves in to law enforcement in another state. Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, Warrants
- Example (Solano County, California): you can go to any law enforcement agency and tell the officer you have an outstanding bench warrant; for misdemeanor cases you can instead contact the criminal clerk's office to be placed on calendar, but the warrant stays active until you appear at the scheduled hearing. Superior Court of California, County of Solano, Criminal Court
FAQ
How do I find out if I have a warrant?
Contact the court where the case was filed. Washington's courts note that their statewide online case search does not show active warrants, and suggest contacting the court or your local police or sheriff's office. Have your name and case number or date of birth ready.
Does a warrant expire?
Arizona's courts say an arrest warrant stays in effect until the person is arrested or appears before the court to address the warrant.
Can a prosecutor or police cancel a warrant?
In Arizona, only a judicial officer in the jurisdiction where the warrant arose can quash or cancel it; a prosecutor cannot remove it without a court order.
Will I go to jail if I turn myself in?
Possibly. San Luis Obispo County's court says a person who turns themselves in will be taken into custody and held in the county jail until the court date. Some warrants allow posting bail instead.
Does scheduling a court date cancel the warrant?
Not necessarily. In San Luis Obispo County, calendaring the case does not recall the warrant; a judge addresses it on the court date. Solano County likewise says the warrant stays active until you appear.
What if the warrant is from another state or federal court?
Arizona's courts note that warrants may also be issued by courts in other states or by federal agencies. In federal cases, a person arrested in a different district appears before a magistrate judge there and may be transferred to the charging district.
Related
- Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
- Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?
- Federal Drug Charges: Penalties and Mandatory Minimums
- Federal Gun Charges: Felon in Possession, 924(c), and Penalties
- Federal vs. State Crimes: What's the Difference?
- How Does Juvenile Court Work?
- How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record?
- How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
- How Do Plea Deals Work?
- How to Appeal a Criminal Conviction
- How to Get a Public Defender
- Illegal Reentry After Deportation: Federal Charges and Penalties
- Should You Talk to Police Without a Lawyer?
- What Happens After an Arrest?
- What Is a Bench Warrant?
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What's the Difference?
- What Is an Arraignment?
- What Is Extradition?
- What Is Mail Fraud?
- What Is Wire Fraud?
- Criminal Law by state
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.