If you have an outstanding warrant in Maryland, one of the first questions you may ask is: “How long is a warrant good for?” The answer depends on the type of warrant issued, but in most cases, warrants remain active until they are resolved by the court or law enforcement. Ignoring a warrant will not make it go away.
Below, we’ll break down the different types of warrants in Maryland and explain how long each one remains valid.
Do Arrest Warrants Expire?
Arrest warrants do not expire in Maryland. Once a judge issues an arrest warrant, it remains active until one of three things happens:
- You are arrested and brought before the court.
- The judge recalls or quashes the warrant.
- The underlying case is dismissed.
This means you could be stopped years later—during a traffic stop in Charles County or even at a routine background check in St. Mary’s County—and still be taken into custody on that old warrant.
How Long Does a Bench Warrant Last?
A bench warrant is typically issued when someone fails to appear in court, violates probation, or disobeys a court order. Like arrest warrants, bench warrants remain active indefinitely until resolved.
This can create serious problems, such as:
- Being arrested unexpectedly at work or during a traffic stop.
- Facing additional charges for “failure to appear.”
- Losing credibility with the judge when you finally appear in court.
If you suspect you have a bench warrant in Southern Maryland—including Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, or St. Mary’s Counties—it’s important to address it immediately with the help of a criminal defense lawyer.
How Long Is a Search Warrant Good For?
Unlike arrest and bench warrants, a search warrant has a limited lifespan. In Maryland, a search warrant must generally be executed within 10 to 15 days of being issued.
After that window passes, the warrant expires, and law enforcement cannot legally use it to search your property. If police still want to conduct a search, they must return to court to request a new warrant.
Why Warrants Don’t Simply “Go Away”
Many people mistakenly believe that if enough time passes, a warrant will expire. This is not true for arrest and bench warrants in Maryland. Courts expect you to take responsibility for resolving the warrant, and law enforcement will continue to treat it as valid.
Unresolved warrants can impact your life in hidden ways:
- They may show up in background checks, affecting employment opportunities.
- They can prevent you from renewing your driver’s license or applying for government benefits.
- They can lead to your arrest at any time—even years later.
What To Do If You Have a Warrant in Maryland
If you think you may have an active warrant in Southern Maryland, do not ignore it. An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Confirm whether a warrant exists.
- File a motion to recall or quash the warrant when appropriate.
- Arrange for you to appear in court voluntarily, instead of being arrested at an inconvenient or embarrassing time.
- Defend you against the underlying charges.
Get Help Resolving a Warrant Today
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we help clients in Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties resolve their warrants and protect their rights. Whether it’s an arrest warrant, bench warrant, or questions about a search warrant, we can guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome.
👉 If you have an outstanding warrant, don’t wait. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
