Behind the Bars: Understanding Indiana Warrants

Posted on January 30, 2025 by admin

If you’re living in Indiana, understanding the legal system—specifically warrants—is crucial. Warrants aren’t just legal jargon; they hold real implications for your day-to-day life and, in some cases, your freedom. With various types of Indiana warrants in play, knowing how they work and what to do if you’re issued one can keep you or your loved ones out of unnecessary trouble.

This blog will walk you through the types of warrants in Indiana, the risks of ignoring them, and the steps you can take to resolve them legally and effectively. Whether it’s an arrest warrant, a bench warrant, or a search warrant, we’ll help you understand what’s at stake and how to handle the situation if it arises.

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Introduction to Indiana Warrants

A warrant is an official legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes specific actions, typically in relation to law enforcement activities. Warrants often come into play during criminal investigations or when individuals fail to comply with court orders. For Hoosiers (a nickname for Indiana residents), warrants are more than just paperwork—they give law enforcement the legal authority to act in ways that can drastically affect your life.

By familiarizing yourself with Indiana’s warrant system and acting promptly to address any issues, you can protect your rights and avoid a sudden, unpleasant encounter with the law.

Types of Indiana Warrants

Indiana has three primary types of warrants, each with its own purpose and consequences. Let’s break them down:

Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is issued when a judge believes there’s probable cause that you have committed a crime. This allows law enforcement to take you into custody.

Reasons for Issuance: Serious offenses like theft, assault, or drug possession often result in arrest warrants. Even minor infractions that escalate due to unpaid fines or missed court dates can lead to one.
How to Check for Arrest Warrants: You can check for active arrest warrants in Indiana by contacting your local sheriff’s department or accessing online public records through county court websites.

Ignoring an arrest warrant could lead to a sudden arrest—often at inconvenient times, like during a traffic stop or even while you’re at home.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is typically issued for noncompliance with court orders, such as failing to appear in court or not paying a court-ordered fine.

Common Reasons: Missing a court date is one of the most frequent reasons for bench warrants. Other examples include not fulfilling probation requirements or failing to pay restitution.
Process for Recall: To resolve a bench warrant, consult an attorney immediately. They may be able to help you request a recall or surrender voluntarily to minimize penalties.

Bench warrants are often underestimated. While they might not involve an immediate arrest, the repercussions can still be serious, such as a suspended driver’s license or a tarnished record.

Search Warrants

Search warrants give law enforcement the authority to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime.

Criteria for Issuance: Law enforcement must demonstrate probable cause to a judge and outline precisely what and where they plan to search.
Rights of Indiana Residents: It’s important to understand your rights during a search. Law enforcement cannot exceed the scope of the warrant, and you have the right to ask for a copy before the search begins.

Search warrants reflect the balance between law enforcement needs and protecting your Fourth Amendment rights. Treading carefully when dealing with law enforcement is crucial.

Consequences of Not Addressing Warrants

Ignoring a warrant—regardless of type—can have serious legal repercussions, including fines, additional charges, or even incarceration. Arrest warrants and bench warrants, for example, don’t expire. What begins as a minor issue can snowball into a criminal record, financial hardship, and jail time.

Taking immediate action on warrants can prevent such outcomes and keep your legal situation manageable.

Steps to Take If You Discover a Warrant

If you find yourself dealing with an Indiana warrant, here’s a step-by-step guide to address the situation effectively:

Remain Calm – Finding out about a warrant can be frightening, but panicking only makes matters worse.
Confirm the Warrant – Check with your local court or sheriff’s office to verify the existence and details of the warrant.
Contact an Attorney – An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and help minimize penalties.
Arrange for Prearranged Bail – For arrest warrants, prearranged bail allows you to surrender on your terms while minimizing time in police custody.
Turn Yourself in (If Necessary) – For serious matters, surrendering voluntarily demonstrates good faith and may influence how the court views your case.
Follow All Court Orders – Addressing the warrant doesn’t end once you’ve surrendered. Attend all court appearances and comply with any subsequent orders.

Prearranged Bail Bonds for Arrest Warrant Surrenders

Surrendering for an arrest warrant can be intimidating, but prearranged bail bonds offer a safer, more controlled process. Taking this proactive approach can save you time, minimize embarrassment, and lower stress for you and your loved ones.

Benefits of Prearranged Bail

By securing bail services in advance, you can significantly reduce the time spent in custody and gain a sense of control over the process. In some cases, a bail bond agent can facilitate an arrest warrant surrender in as little as an hour, from start to finish.

How It Works

Contact a reputable bail bond company. They’ll guide you through the bail process, help you understand the terms, and assist with posting bond upon your voluntary surrender. Some bondsmen provide free rides to and from the jail, allowing customers to leave their cars at the agency during the process.

Know Your Legal Rights and Resources

When facing any type of warrant in Indiana, knowing your rights is essential. Here are some tips and resources to help you along the way:

You Have the Right to Counsel – Always consult a lawyer who specializes in Indiana law to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
Local Legal Aid Organizations – Nonprofit organizations like Indiana Legal Services provide free or low-cost legal support for qualifying individuals.
Community Programs – Some counties offer self-help centers or diversion programs to resolve minor offenses without a court trial.

Understanding your options will give you a clear path forward and help protect your legal rights.

RECAP

Indiana warrants may sound intimidating, but with knowledge and prompt action, they don’t have to be life-disrupting. By understanding the various types of warrants—arrest, bench, and search—and taking immediate steps to resolve them, you can protect your record and your peace of mind.

If you have an arrest warrant, consider prearranged bail to make the surrender process smoother. Don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice or bail bond services to help you through the process.

For more insights and assistance with arrest warrant surrenders, connect with an experienced professional today, and take control of your situation. Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to set up prearranged bail bond service for warrants and probation violations in Indianapolis, Indiana. Get in and out of jail in as little as an hour!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bench Warrants

Posted on August 17, 2022 by admin

Many people worry about their future after being served with bench warrant. But the outcomes that result from bench warrant proceedings are generally milder than those for arrest warrants. Nonetheless, it is important to educate yourself about the facts surrounding bench warrants to ensure that you are staying within the limits of the law, thus protecting your rights and preserving your freedoms.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about bench warrants that might help you achieve this level of understanding.

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Bench Warrant FAQS You Need to Know

What is a Bench Warrant? Is the Same as an Arrest Warrant?

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.

Do I Have to Respond to a Bench Warrant?

If you do not take care of a bench warrant responsibly and in a way that the state or county expects you to, then you could be faced with an actual arrest warrant, which would force you to surrender to the jail. To respond to a bench warrant, contact the county clerks’ office and notify them that you got the document. From there, they will make arrangements for you to appear in court or see a judge, plus pay the assigned bail.

Do I Need a Bail Bond for a Bench Warrant?

If you cannot afford to pay the bail, you may be able to hire a licensed Indiana bail bondsman to act as a surety. They will cover the full cost, but only charge you a small, nonrefundable fee. Unfortunately, most bail bondsmen will not cover bail payments for bench warrants. If you are arrested for an outstanding bench warrant, you can contact a bail bondsman in Indiana to get you out of jail. This bail bond fee would be separate from your bench warrant bail payments.

Will I Spend Time in Jail for a Bench Warrant?

Probably not, but in the case of negligence, you might. 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.

Do you need to surrender to an arrest warrant or get a friend out of jail? Are you looking for the easiest and fastest way to do that? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for the fastest and friendliest bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or information, anytime.

Do I Surrender to the Jail for a Bench Warrant?

Posted on April 6, 2022 by admin

Warrants can be confusing to anyone, regardless of intellectual quotient. This is especially true since there are multiple kinds of warrants. You may already be familiar with arrest warrants, but there are also bench warrants issued for defendants of the county or city. If you are currently facing a bench warrant, it is important to take the responsible and lawfully-expected steps to remedy your legal matters. Otherwise, you could be surrendering to the jail and spending time there while awaiting your bail to be posted.

Continue reading to learn how to avoid jail time if you have just been issued a bench warrant in Indiana.

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How to Manage a Bench Warrant

You were issued a bench warrant because you missed a court date. There could be other reasons, but this is the most common one. If you do not take care of a bench warrant responsibly and in a way that the state or county expects you to, then you could be faced with an actual arrest warrant, which would force you to surrender to the jail.

What to Do To Recall a Bench Warrant:

To satisfy a bench warrant, it is best to contact the county clerks’ office. You may also call or visit the local courthouse or police department in the county of the warrant.

Tell them about your bench warrant, then they will make arrangements for you to come in, in person, and pay the bail associated with the warrant. This step will keep you from being named in an arrest warrant.

Once you pay the bail, the court or judge will recall the bench warrant. If you cannot afford to pay the bail, you may be able to hire a licensed Indiana bail bondsman to act as a surety. They will cover the full cost, but only charge you a small, nonrefundable fee. But keep in mind that most bail bondsmen will not cover bail payments for bench warrants.

Since you missed your court date, your bail money has already been forfeited, so a bail bondsman would not likely pay your bond for you under the normal indemnity arrangement. This also means that you cannot get your bail money back from the court after you satisfy your bench warrant. If you ask the courts, they may grant you credit for your court fines and fees. But this is rare.

Are you ready to learn more about bail bond options in Indiana? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for speedy and secure bail bond services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants and probation violations, too.

What is a Bench Warrant?

Posted on November 1, 2017 by admin

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If you have just learned of a bench warrant, you are surely full of questions. Fortunately, a bench warrant is not exactly like an arrest warrant, where you must answer to it by surrendering to authorities and going to jail. However, there are stiff legal consequences for ignoring or neglecting a bench warrant. In these cases, jail could be a real possibility. Continue reading to learn more about bench warrants, including what to expect and who to talk to for professional advice.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued by the courts when a person misses their trial. This is called 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. In contrast to arrest warrants, bench warrants are used for minor criminal cases, mostly citations and similar petty infractions such as traffic tickets or j-walking.

Although police will not be on the hunt for those with a bench warrant, the defendant will have their name entered into a statewide database that notifies law enforcement. This means that a person with a bench warrant can be arrested and taken into the custody by law enforcement if they are ever looked up in the database and discovered, such as in the case that they are stopped for a routine traffic offense or other scenario.

How it Works

Once you are aware that you have a bench warrant, the first thing you need to do is contact your private criminal defense lawyer. They will handle all aspects of your charges and give you step-by-step instructions on what to do in the best interest of your case. However, since most bench warrant cases are not serious, you may not need to contact your lawyer at all, especially if you are not a repeat offender.

Instead, you should contact a local Indianapolis bail bondsman to prearrange bail in your favor. This will save you hours of time and frustration. That is because after you call a bail bondsman, you will need to show up at the jail or county clerk’s office and submit to your bench warrant. This will entail you being taken into custody for processing, paying off court costs and fines for both the original charges and the FTA charge, paying off your bail, and then being issued a new court date. A bail bondsman can expedite this process for you, while also giving you a ride from their office, to and from the jail.

Prompt and Professional Indiana Bail Bonds

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Do I Have to Go to Jail for a Bench Warrant?

Posted on May 17, 2016 by admin

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When a person is suspected of a crime, they are arrested and taken to jail in most cases. After they are released from jail, they are under legal supervision and mandated to obey certain court orders until they ultimately complete their sentence, also called probation or parole. Court orders can include a wide range of rules and requirements, and differ depending on a person’s criminal history, the crime they committed, their judge, and the state in which their crimes originated. Typical court orders include routine meetings with a probation officer or parole officer, surrendering to random drug screens, working community service, retaining full-time employment, and refraining from disobeying any laws.

If a person breaks any laws or fails to abide by all court orders, they are in violation of their legally-supervised probation. For this offense, the courts will issue a bench warrant for that person to address their violation and be reprimanded with additional legal penalties and court orders. A bench warrant simple requests a person’s attendance to the “judge’s bench” to face their penalties for violating probation or parole.

Surrendering to a Bench Warrant

Unfortunately, a person must surrender themselves to the custody of law enforcement to appease their bench warrant and settle their legal matters appropriately. If a person chooses to not voluntarily surrender to the jail, they risk being arrested by law enforcement at any given moment in time, including routine traffic stops, I.D. checks, and more. This only leads to further punishment. It is wise to turn yourself into law enforcement if you have a bench warrant issued in your name. The longer you wait to face your violation, the harsher the penalties may be. But don’t worry, there is some good news!

If you hire an experienced bail bondsman with a good-standing reputation among the local courthouses and jails, you most likely won’t have to wait long in jail before being released again on bond. In fact, you could be in and out in as little as one hour! The only reason you might have to sit in jail for a long period of time is if you are intoxicated, or the jail is particularly busy and understaffed. But you can avoid a busy jail by turning yourself in on an early week day when jails experience less traffic. James Woods, of Woods Bail Bonds, is the right bail bondsman for the job. Trust him to provide fast and friendly bail bonds services in Indianapolis, as well as, Northern, Central, and Southern Indiana!

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Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 when you need an Indianapolis bail bondsman you can trust. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured bail bond company that provides bail bond services all throughout Indiana. We offer free estimates, free jail information, free jail drop off and pick up services, inmate look-ups, and much more. Whether you violated your terms of probation or need to turn yourself in for an arrest warrant, we have the bail bond solutions for you! Call 317-876-9600 for fast and friendly assistance to get out of jail in Indianapolis, today.

Why Do Courts Issue Bench Warrants?

Posted on October 8, 2015 by admin

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Bench warrants are a type of arrest warrant used in local jurisdictions. They are typically issued by the courts and signed off by sitting magistrates, or judges. A bench warrant stands in as a pending arrest; authorizing police to arrest a person any time or place, as soon as they are dispensed. If a person has a bench warrant, they should turn themselves in as soon as possible to avoid further punishment by the courts.

It is also in their best interest to research the best way to turn themselves in on a bench warrant, and how to post their own bail afterwards.

What are Bench Warrants?

Bench warrants are most commonly issued for people in contempt of court. If the court gives a person guidelines or legal obligations, such as drug screenings or future court proceedings, they are expected to fulfill all of their legal responsibilities. If they fail to do so, such as skip a court date or violate probation, they are issued a bench warrant. It is metaphorically bringing someone to the “judge’s bench” for ruling.

Bench warrants do not stop at the police department; they are also sided by the Department of Motor Vehicles, who will suspend a person’s drivers’ license as well. When there is a bench warrant issued for someone’s arrest, there is very few options left for that person until they turn themselves in to the court.

How to Self-Surrender to a Bench Warrant

To turn yourself in on a bench warrant, a person should first consult a lawyer about their options. This can allow a person to prepare for a short, or long, jail stay. They will have a chance to make arrangements with work, or family, as well as, bail arrangements. Once a lawyer is hired, they will give further instructions on what to do. If a person cannot hire a lawyer, they should call the jail, or the courts, and ask for instructions on how to turn themselves in on their existing bench warrant. Typically, you just show up to the jail and let them know you are turning yourself in, and then they take it from there. They will process you and then let you get a phone call. You can either call a friend, family member, or bail bond agency for help.

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Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to turn yourself in for a bench warrant in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, has decades of experience in the bail bond industry and can provide accurate information regarding arrest warrants and more. We can get you a safe a secure release from jail in any county in Indiana. Call 317-876-9600 for professional bail bond services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding cities.

3 Common Types of Arrest Warrants

Posted on October 1, 2015 by admin

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Crimes are committed every day. Although many crimes are witnessed and addressed immediately by witnesses and police, there are much more carried out behind the eyes of the law. For these types of crimes, courts administer warrants for arrest. Even though a person commits a crime behind closed doors, doesn’t mean they won’t soon be accountable for those crimes. An arrest warrant is basically an affidavit of law, permitting the arrest of a person suspected of criminal activity or involvement.

Read on to learn the different types of arrest warrants commonly used here in the United States.

Outstanding Warrants

If a person has committed a misdemeanor crime, they will have an arrest warrant issued for them. This gives local law enforcement a heads up to look out for this particular guilty party. It also gives them permission to take them into custody for their suspected crime. For lesser crimes, police will not actively search down every guilty person with an outstanding arrest warrant, because there are simply too many. So if a person is not found for a while and neglected to turn themselves in, an arrest warrant becomes an outstanding warrant due to the amount of time it’s been active.

If you have an outstanding arrest warrant, you can choose to turn yourself in to authorities and face your charges; this way you can get it over with and put it behind you. If you do not want to turn yourself in, you are taking a huge risk that can affect your life down the road, substantially. It can affect your job, driving privileges, obtaining a passport, and many other areas of life.

Felony Warrants

Felony warrants are arrest warrants for more serious crimes that are categorized as felonies. This can include drug trafficking, solicitation, larceny, check fraud, multiple DUI charges, and other serious cases. For example, if a person runs a red light at an intersection and causes a serious accident, then drives off to avoid the consequences, the consequences will in fact be more severe, because that is a criminal act and a felony.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is a basic warrant; however, rather than being issued by the police, it is issued by a judge. It requires the defendant to be taken into to custody by police and brought to the theoretical “bench” of the court room to face their charges. Bench warrants occur when a non-violent and non-dangerous criminal act is committed. This includes, failure to appear for court, outstanding child support payments, failure to show for jury duty, and other similar legal orders.

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Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to look up active arrest warrants in Indiana, or to self-surrender to an outstanding arrest warrant and prearrange bail in Indianapolis. Licensed bail bondsman, James Woods, is happy to answer your questions about arrest warrants, turning yourself in, and prearranging bail bonds. We offer a wide range of 24 hour bail bond services, as well as, notary services, inmate look-ups, and more. Call 317-876-9600 and speak with a friendly and informative bail bondsman about arrest warrants in Indianapolis, IN today.