Which Type of Arrest Warrant are You Facing in Indiana?

Have you just learned that there is a warrant out for your arrest in Indiana? If you are confused, you are not alone. Most people who are defending or surrendering to a warrant have no idea which type of warrant they are facing. There is more than one kind of warrant, and the type of warrant issued is determined by the type of crime committed.

Continue reading to review some of the more common types of warrants, confirm which warrant you are wanted for, and then learn the best course of action for resolving your legal matters while protecting your freedom.

Indiana Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds
Indianapolis Arrest Warrant Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indiana Warrant Information

Warrants are issued in Indiana every day, and for a variety of crimes, all ranging from minor to very serious. Bench warrants, alias warrants, and felony warrants are a few common warrants used in the United States. Which warrant does yours fall under?

Outstanding Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate to police officials.  It permits officers to search out and detain a person that is suspected of a crime.  These warrants cannot be officially issued without a sworn statement from a district attorney, victim involved in the crime, or police officer.   An arrest warrant becomes an outstanding arrest warrant when it has taken some time to address, or a person has not been found after a while.  It just means the arrest warrant is still issued but not yet carried out and completed. 

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is basically the same as an arrest warrant.  The difference is the complexity and severity of the crime associated with the warrant.  Bench warrants are issued by a judge, not the police, because they typically address non-violent crimes, such as neglecting court orders, failure to pay child support, failure to appear for jury duty, failure to appear per a subpoena, and other similar violations.  They are warrants that literally bring the violator to the judges’ “bench” to face their unfinished business in court. 

Felony Warrants

A felony warrant is a warrant associated with felony crimes, or crimes that are punishable by a prison term that is more than one year under Federal and State law.   There are never statutes of limitations on felony warrants; they will not seize to exist until the charges are brought forth on the suspect and carried out in court.  Examples of felony crimes would be murder, embezzlement, check fraud, dealing drugs, and other similar crimes. 

Other Kinds of Warrants

Also contrary to common knowledge, there are other warrants out there that are not arrest warrants.  Civil warrants, alias warrants, and search warrants are not arrest warrants, but they do require action on your part. 

A civil warrant acknowledges small claims court issues like owed money and possession debates.  A person who wants to sue their friend for not repaying a loan will file a civil suit against the friend at the local courthouse. 

An alias warrant is a warrant issued to a person who has failed to appear for court and has yet to file a plea regarding their case against them.

A search warrant allows police to search your personal property, premises, workspace, computer, or anything else they believe might be linked to a crime. 

Where to Get Trusted Bail Bond Assistance for an Arrest Warrant in Indianapolis

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional, 24 hour bail bond services for arrest warrants in Indiana. Not only can we get you out of jail fast, we can prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. And we provide our services in over 30 Indiana counties, regardless of time, day, or city. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600
Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Do I Need a Bail Bond for a Bench Warrant?

Bench warrants can be confusing, especially to someone who does not have a criminal past. If you have just discovered that there is a bench warrant ordered against you or a loved one, it is time to start learning the facts, including what to do, how to do it, and where to take your first step. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding bench warrants is whether or not a bail bond will need to be arranged.

Continue reading to learn the answer to this common question, as well as, additional information about bench warrants.

Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600
Indiana Bench Warrant Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600

Bench Warrant Basics

No one likes the idea, or worse, possibility, of spending even one minute in jail. So, it is natural for a bench warrant defendant to immediately wonder whether or not they need to secure a bail bond in order to get out of jail as fast as possible. Prearranged bail bonds are a service often used for those facing arrest warrants. Prearranging bail bond service can speed up the surrender, booking, and release process. In many cases, the acting bail bondsman can drop the client off at the jail, and then pick them back up once they have been released on bail.

Arrest Warrants and Bail

As for bench warrants, a bail bond is not usually necessary. Although often confused with one another, arrest warrants and bench warrants are very different. Arrest warrants are ordered against defendants for serious criminal cases. They guarantee an arrest at some point in time, whether through a voluntary surrender to authorities, or an unanticipated arrest.

In contrast to arrest warrants, bench warrants are used for minor cases, mostly citations and similar petty infractions such as traffic tickets or j-walking. A bench warrant is issued by the courts when a person misses their trial for a minor case or infraction, also known as an “FTA”, or “failure to appear.” The word “bench” in bench warrant essentially implies the judge’s seat, and requests that you answer to the court for both your original charge and now for your FTA offense.

The Exception to the Rule

The exception to needing a bail bondsman to get you out of jail for a bench warrant is if the warrant goes outstanding. If you do not satisfy your bench warrant obligations, you will eventually have an outstanding bench warrant against you. In this case, police can arrest you on the spot if you have an encounter with them, even if something innocent. For instance, if you are rear-ended by another driver, the responding officer can take you into custody once they run your information and see that you have an outstanding bench warrant.

Where to Get Fast Prearranged Bail Bonds in Indianapolis

Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for prompt and professional, 24 hour bail bond services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Not only can we get you out of jail fast, we can prearrange a bail bond if you need to surrender to an arrest warrant. We provide all Local, State, and National bonds, and serve over 30 Indiana counties. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indiana Bail Bondsman
Indiana Bail Bondsman 317-876-9600