It is completely understandable if you might feel terrified and perplexed upon receiving a subpoena. Typical arrest processes include handcuffing the suspect, putting them in a police car, taking them to jail, and requiring them to post bail in order to get out. In these types of cases, settling and “paying it off” with fees just won’t cut it.
Arrest warrants cannot be simply paid off, especially in Maryland. You won’t be made aware of a warrant for a criminal investigation until you are taken into custody; as a result, you cannot halt it. If you show up for your new court appointment, any bench warrants for failure to appear or unpaid tickets may be revoked.
What it Means to “Pay Off” an Arrest Warrant in Maryland
When you have committed an offense, paying what you are due is thereby a confession of guilt to a “civil offense.” For example, Baltimore residents actually now have the option to send in or pay online for traffic fines and marijuana possession penalties.
However, any offense that qualifies for an arrest warrant is subject to a fee and/or incarceration. This means you simply cannot pay the fines and go. A guilty plea could result in jail time and higher penalties as opposed to a traffic ticket. Instead of accepting whatever the prosecutor and judge throw at you, you should battle these charges or have a lawyer negotiate a plea deal.
Moreover, warrants cannot be fulfilled absent a judicial appearance. Apprehensions for a crime necessitate judicial appearances. Criminal cases must be heard in court, with the unusual exception of video conference hearings.
Detention is usually when arrest orders are discovered. Sometimes, there is not enough time to “pay off” the case.
Arrest Warrants: How to Do It Right
Disrupting the calm or engaging in disorderly behavior carries a penalty of $500 and 60 days in jail. Your lawyer can then argue that you should receive a fine, potentially less than $500, if you have no prior criminal history.
At the end of the day, never deal with a subpoena by yourself. Always get in touch with your criminal defense lawyer for help.
Anticipating an Arrest Warrant in Maryland
Unfortunately, you won’t be aware of it until you are taken into custody. Instead, a warrant will be granted, and you will be taken into custody at your home or another commonplace.
The cops may use a summons or an arrest warrant. As a result, you frequently can’t pay penalties or revoke the warrant before being taken into custody.
Canceling Warrants in Maryland
You might have more choices for getting a bench order removed. Depending on how many violations were involved in the warrant’s issuance, you might be able to resolve your case by paying them off. But because bench warrants are usually issued for failing to show up in court, we use a different approach to revoke the warrant and settle your case.
Bench warrants, as opposed to arrest warrants, are given by judges following the conclusion of a criminal case. If the defendant fails to show up for a hearing, the judge will issue a bench warrant. The suspect can now be detained by the cops as soon as they arrive. These warrants can typically be “quashed” or “recalled” by getting in touch with the judge, submitting any required motions, and agreeing to a new court date.
When trying to overturn a judge’s decision, speak with a criminal defense lawyer. Additionally, you require legal representation in court.
Get Help from Criminal Defense Lawyers in La Plata, Maryland
Sometimes, we could only wish for things to be simple and easy, like arrest warrants. However, criminal and civil offenses are real hurdles we must face, especially when we are guilty. Now that you know more about arrest warrants in Maryland, make sure to be in contact with your lawyer at all times.
If you find yourself in a legal dilemma, it is prudent to seek the guidance of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. That is why we are here to help. Hennessy Law, LLC focuses on protecting our client’s rights. With 50 years of experience, we provide professional and compassionate assistance in our zealous representation of our clients. We practice personal injury and criminal defense law in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, contact us online, call us at (301)934-6400, or visit us at our office at 103 Centennial St. K La Plata, MD 20646.
