Warrants
If you think there is a warrant for your arrest, call a criminal defense lawyer before you do anything else, and do not call the police or the detective yourself. A lawyer can find out what the warrant is for and plan the next step with you, instead of the police choosing the time and place.
What a warrant is
You may hear about two kinds: an arrest warrant, which names a person, and a search warrant, which names a place or thing. Your lawyer can find out which one you are dealing with. Under the Fourth Amendment, warrants may issue only on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation [1].
Whether there was a warrant can matter after the arrest, too. In Florida, for example, a person held in custody gets a judge's probable cause determination within 48 hours, unless a judge already found probable cause and issued a warrant [2]. In New York and Pennsylvania, the rules on the arraignment page that call for a prompt first court date are written for arrests made without a warrant [3] [4]. Ask your lawyer which rules apply to your arrest.
What to do if you think there is a warrant
- Call a criminal defense lawyer. Tell the lawyer your full name, date of birth, and why you think there is a warrant: a card on the door, a call from a detective, a letter, or word from a friend.
- Do not call the detective or the police yourself. A "quick chat to clear things up" is questioning.
- Do not talk to the police about the case if they find you first. Say: "I want to remain silent. I want a lawyer." Questioning must stop once you say that [5].
- Do not run, hide, or resist an arrest. That only adds problems.
- Do not contact the complaining witness or anyone else in the case, and do not post about it.
A lawyer can find out which court issued the warrant and what it is for, and can talk to you about whether and how to appear. Going in with a lawyer, on a planned day, is very different from an arrest at home or at work. What is possible depends on the court and the case, so call before you decide anything.
Missed a court date?
If you missed a court date and a judge may have issued a warrant, call a lawyer the same day. Do not wait for the police to find you. Bring the paperwork you have, such as the desk appearance ticket, summons, or release papers, so the lawyer can see the court and the case number.
Search warrants
If police or agents arrive with a search warrant, do not physically resist and do not answer questions about the case. Our page on search warrants and raids explains what to do during and after the search, and agents at the door covers a knock without a warrant.
For the steps that follow an arrest in your court, use What happens next or see New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania or federal court.
Common questions
A detective left a card. Does that mean there is a warrant?
Not necessarily. It may mean the detective wants to question you. Either way, do not call back yourself. Have a lawyer call.
Should I go to the precinct to clear it up?
Not on your own. Walking in alone can mean being questioned, or arrested, with no one there for you. Call a lawyer first and let the lawyer plan it.
Sources
- U.S. Const. amend. IV. Current as of November 11, 2026. Official text
- Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.133(a)(1). Current as of November 11, 2026. Official text
- N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law ยง 140.20(1) (rev. 2024-09-06). Current as of November 11, 2026. Official text
- Pa. R. Crim. P. 519(A)(1) (amended 2013). Current as of November 11, 2026. Official text
- Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). Current as of November 11, 2026. Official text
Arrested, or think you might be? Call before you answer any questions.
Call and tell us who was arrested or contacted and where the case is. A lawyer will tell you what happens next and what to do tonight. Please do not type what happened into a form or an email. We will talk about it on the phone.