If you’re concerned about having an outstanding arrest warrant in Edmonton, you’re not alone. The uncertainty and anxiety that come with the possibility of being arrested at any moment can be overwhelming, to say the least.
However, it’s essential to remain calm and take the necessary steps to address the situation. Fortunately, with the help of a criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton, you can navigate the legal system and potentially avoid an arrest warrant.
At Slaferek Law, we can provide you with legal guidance, support, and representation throughout the process. Our team of experienced criminal defence lawyers can also help you understand the charges against you, assess your options, and develop a strategic plan to protect your rights and interests.
Thus, whether you’re dealing with a minor infraction or a serious criminal charge, there is no doubt that a criminal defence lawyer has the expertise and knowledge to handle your case.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how a criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton can help you avoid an arrest warrant.
Understanding Arrest Warrants
Simply put, an arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or justice of the peace that authorizes law enforcement officials to arrest an individual for a specific offence. The warrant contains the name of the person to be arrested, the offence they are accused of, and any conditions for their release.
The Procedure For Issuance Of Arrest Warrants In Edmonton, Alberta
In Edmonton, arrest warrants are issued by a judge or justice of the peace based on probable cause. This means that law enforcement officials must have reasonable grounds to believe that the person named on the warrant is responsible for committing a crime.
A police officer or law enforcement agency will conduct an investigation to gather evidence to establish probable cause that a crime has been committed. Once the police have gathered enough evidence, they must prepare an application for an arrest warrant, which is typically done through a justice of the peace or a judge.
Accordingly, the judge or justice of the peace will then review the evidence presented by law enforcement officials and determine whether there is enough evidence to issue a warrant. The warrant will typically include the name of the person to be arrested, the crime for which they are being arrested, and any other relevant information.
Once the warrant has been issued, law enforcement officers will be authorized to arrest the person named on the warrant. They may do so at any time and any place, as long as they have probable cause to believe that the person named in the warrant is present.
Types Of Legal Warrants In Alberta
Many people are only familiar with arrest warrants. They are not aware that there are, in fact, different types of legal warrants, each carrying distinct implications and necessitating a different approach to defence:
- Bench warrants are issued when a person fails to appear in court as required. They authorize law enforcement officials to bring the person to court to answer to the charges against them.
- Arrest warrants are issued when law enforcement officials have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the person named on the warrant is responsible.
- Search warrants are issued when law enforcement officials have probable cause to believe that a specific location contains evidence of a crime. The warrant must be based on probable cause and must specify the location to be searched and the items that can be seized.
The Consequences Of An Outstanding Arrest Warrant In Edmonton
Having an outstanding arrest warrant can have serious consequences. If you’re arrested, you’ll be taken into custody and brought before a judge or justice of the peace. You may be required to stay in jail until your court appearance, and if you’re found guilty of the offence, you could face fines, probation, or even imprisonment.
Also Read: The Rights Of An Accused Person Under The Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms
In addition, having an outstanding arrest warrant can affect your ability to travel, obtain certain jobs, or apply for a loan. It can also lead to increased scrutiny from law enforcement officials and make it more difficult to obtain a favourable outcome in your case.
It’s important to note that the best course of action to take if you have an outstanding arrest warrant is to turn yourself in and work with a qualified attorney to address the underlying legal issue. By doing so, you may be able to mitigate the potential consequences and resolve the matter as quickly and smoothly as possible.
How Can A Criminal Defence Lawyer Help?
A skilled lawyer can help you understand your legal options and take the necessary steps to avoid an arrest warrant.
One way a criminal defence lawyer can help is by negotiating with the authorities to have the warrant recalled. This is often possible if the warrant was issued for a minor offence or if there is insufficient evidence to support it.
Another way a lawyer can help is by assisting you in surrendering to the authorities. By doing so, you can avoid the negative consequences of being arrested in public or at your place of work. Your lawyer can also arrange for bail, which can allow you to remain free while awaiting trial.
A criminal defence lawyer can also help by representing you in court as part of their criminal defence services. With their legal expertise, they can challenge the evidence against you and build a strong defence.
This can ultimately result in a favourable outcome, such as having the charges dropped or reduced.
About Slaferek Law
Slaferek Law is a criminal defence law firm based in Edmonton, Alberta, with a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers who are committed to defending the rights of their clients. Our team has a wealth of experience in dealing with all types of criminal cases, including those involving arrest warrants. We have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients.
Need help understanding your rights during an arrest? Contact us now for a FREE Consultation.
