If you’re asking yourself, “Do I have warrants?”—you’re not alone, and you’re not without options. Every day, people in Maryland discover that a bench warrant or arrest warrant has been issued in their name. Whether it’s for missing a court date, failing to pay a fine, or something more serious, it’s critical to take action before the situation escalates.
As a Southern Maryland criminal defense lawyers, we’ve helped many clients resolve outstanding warrants quickly and strategically—often without spending a night in jail. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect (or know) that there’s a warrant out for your arrest in Maryland.
Step 1: Find Out If You Have a Warrant
If you’re wondering, “How do I check if I have warrants in Maryland?” there are a few ways to find out:
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This free online tool lets you look up your case history by name or case number. While not all warrants are listed, it’s a good starting point.
- Call the Clerk’s Office: Contacting the clerk of the court in the county where the offense may have occurred can help confirm the warrant’s status.
- Ask a Lawyer to Check: A criminal defense attorney can contact the courts or law enforcement on your behalf—without putting you at risk of being arrested on the spot.
Important: Don’t call the police to ask if you have a warrant. That’s a fast way to end up in custody.
Step 2: Understand the Type of Warrant
In Maryland, the most common types of warrants are:
- Bench Warrants: Issued when you fail to appear in court or violate conditions of probation.
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when police believe you committed a crime and need court approval to arrest you.
Both types carry serious consequences. A bench warrant can lead to an automatic arrest during a traffic stop, and an arrest warrant can result in law enforcement showing up at your home or job.
Step 3: Don’t Wait—Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you think you have a warrant, ignoring it won’t make it go away. In fact, the longer you wait, the more complicated (and risky) your situation becomes. That’s where a skilled Southern Maryland criminal lawyer can step in.
A lawyer may be able to:
- File a motion to quash or recall the warrant
- Arrange a walk-in hearing to resolve the warrant without arrest
- Negotiate terms of surrender that avoid jail time
- Advocate for release on recognizance or minimal bail
Every case is different, but getting ahead of the problem almost always leads to better outcomes.
Step 4: Prepare for What Happens Next
Depending on the charge and the court’s response, you may:
- Be given a new court date
- Be booked and released the same day
- Need to post bail
- Be held for a bail review hearing
Your attorney can prepare you for each scenario and work to minimize disruption to your life, your family, and your job.
What Happens If You Ignore a Warrant?
If you ignore an active warrant, the consequences can be serious:
- You can be arrested at home, at work, or during a traffic stop
- You may be held without bail
- You risk losing credibility in court
- You could face additional charges for failure to appear
If your first thought was “Do I have warrants?”—your next move should be calling a defense attorney before the police come calling on you.
Don’t Panic—Call a Lawyer Who Can Help
Whether you’re dealing with a minor bench warrant or a serious criminal charge, you need legal advice right away. At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we help clients throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, and Calvert County resolve warrants and protect their freedom.
Don’t wait for a knock at your door. Call now or schedule a confidential consultation to talk through your options with a knowledgeable Southern Maryland criminal lawyer.
