Many people hear the term “arrest warrant” in the news. But what does it mean? In this article, we explain the meaning of an arrest warrant, the types of warrants, and how you can check and clear an arrest warrant in Connecticut.
- What is an arrest warrant?
- Types of arrest warrants
- How to find an arrest warrant
- How to clear an arrest warrant
Some Connecticut residents may have an outstanding warrant or a rearrest warrant without even being aware of it. Several situations can prompt one. These can include a missed court date, an unpaid fine, an investigation, or a past encounter with police. It’s important to know what to do if you find yourself in such a situation.
What Is An Arrest Warrant?
An arrest warrant in Connecticut is an official document signed by a judge or magistrate allowing law enforcement to take a person into custody or under arrest. It grants police the right to arrest someone who has been accused of an alleged crime. The arrest warrant is signed when there is sufficient probable cause that the alleged suspect named in the warrant has committed a crime.
With a signed arrest warrant, the information is shared across law enforcement agencies to actively apprehend the alleged offender. Police officers can arrest someone without a warrant if they witness a crime in sudden, dangerous situations. Law enforcement can place someone in custody if they believe public safety is at risk.
Types of Arrest Warrants:
Bench Warrants
Prawn Warrants
Extradition or Fugitive of Justice Warrants
Search warrants
Bench Warrants
This type of warrant is issued for failing to comply with the judge’s orders or court orders. This order allows for the immediate apprehension of the person named on the warrant. It often applies to individuals who miss a court appearance or fail to follow specific rules of the court.
Bench warrants are commonly issued for reasons such as:
- Failure to appear: Missing a scheduled court appearance for a hearing, trial, or other legal proceeding can result in a bench warrant.
- Violation of court orders: Non-compliance with conditions of bail, probation, or other court-mandated requirements can lead to a bench warrant.
Prawn Warrants – Paperless Arrest Warrant Network – PRAWN
In Connecticut, a PRAWN warrant refers to an arrest warrant entered into the Paperless Rearrest Arrest Warrant Network, an electronic system for tracking warrants, primarily for Failure to Appear (FTA) in court or Violation of Probation (VOP). This system allows police statewide to see these warrants immediately, enabling officers to arrest someone at traffic stops or at home, without waiting for the issuing agency.
The system for an arrest warrant in Connecticut is now utilized by more than 140 local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies, and recent statistics illustrate that more warrants are being served as a result. PRAWN employs two components to facilitate the service of such warrants: the inquiry component and the custodial processing component.
- Inquiry: most criminal justice agencies in CT now can locate detailed warrant information and identify the agency holding the warrant, when applicable.
- Custodial Processing: New warrants are distributed in a “paperless” medium, so any authorized law enforcement agency can serve a warrant by printing the required custody documents from the system.
The inquiry component enables criminal justice officials to ascertain whether a subject has an outstanding arrest warrant. When an arrest warrant is issued in the state, specific data is entered in the Criminal Motor Vehicle System (CRMVS). This data is instantly transmitted to PRAWN and therefore, available to criminal justice agencies throughout the state, either through direct inquires in PRAWN, or through more general inquires in the state police Connecticut Online Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing System (COLLECT) and the Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS).
Fugitive Warrant or Extradition Arrest Warrant
This type of warrant is sent from one jurisdiction to another when a suspect is believed to be in a local jurisdiction. The warrant in Connecticut means the other jurisdiction is looking to take the criminal into custody. This type of warrant is necessary for the detention by law enforcement officers and transfer of a suspect back to the demanding state. It ensures that the individual can be tried under the laws of the state where they have committed a crime.
Search Warrant
A search warrant allows authorities to search for specific things at a specific address. A judge must approve the search warrant through an affidavit submitted by the investigative party and include what, where, and who will be searched.
The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution protects people against unreasonable search and seizure by the government. While there are limited circumstances in which a search without a warrant is allowed, warrantless searches are generally considered unreasonable and a violation of your civil rights.
How To Find Arrest Warrants in Connecticut?
The judicial system offers a self-serve system to search for outstanding warrants for missing court and for violations of probation. These types of warrants are open to the public on the judicial website. A warrant check is free and is available at the link below.
Here is the link to search for arrest warrants in Connecticut: Warrant Search Link for FTAs and VOPs.
How to Find Other Types of Arrest Warrants, Like for New Charges?
The best way to find warrants is by doing a warrant check. One way to find a warrant in Connecticut is by contacting the arresting agency issuing the warrant. A licensed bail bondsman knows how to find warrants quickly, so your first stop should be the bondsman, as they offer free warrant checks 24/7. An attorney is also a great option, but most may come at a price tag.
A skilled and experienced bail bondsman can often obtain bail amounts and charge information for clients at no cost, provided sufficient details are available. Because bondsmen frequently work in or around jails and courthouses, they are well-positioned to assist clients quickly, making it easier to gather information about a case or a newly issued warrant
Maintaining a positive relationship with a probation or parole officer can make a meaningful difference for clients who have pending cases or are currently on probation. When a new warrant is issued, open and consistent communication often helps navigate the situation more effectively. Strong communication is a valuable asset in the criminal justice system.
How To Clear an Arrest Warrant in Connecticut?
When there is an active warrant for your arrest, life cannot be more uncertain for you. That’s why we recommend clients contact 3-D Bail Bonds as soon as they discover the warrant so we can provide immediate services, but more importantly, immediate action, and avoid being stuck in jail. follow these steps to clear an arrest warrant in Connecticut.
The Process to Clear an Active Warrant in Connecticut
Verify Outstanding Warrants and Charges
In most cases, our team of skilled bail bondsmen can verify active warrants and charges. If a re-arrest warrant was issued for missing court or a violation of probation, defendants can access this information at the Judicial website under the section: Arrest Warrants for Violation of Probation or Failure to Appear, and Orders to Incarcerate
For other types of warrants, including new charges or warrants signed following an investigation, we can always attempt to verify at least the bond amounts for clients. Without knowing the bond amount, it’s difficult to guarantee their freedom. The client could end up stuck in jail if unable to pay the bail. But an experienced and skilled bondsman knows the ins and outs of finding warrant information and will work diligently to help you.
Set Up TSI (Turning Yourself In) to the Police or Arresting Agency
Turning yourself in to the police sounds frightening and for good reason. You are walking in to get handcuffed and officially charged with a crime. Even though the bail bondsman is right by your side, securing your quick release, the police must book and fingerprint defendants before their release.
The best way to clear an arrest warrant in Connecticut is by turning yourself in. Set an appointment with a bail bonds agency ahead of time before you turn yourself in to the police. Listen to the most experienced people in the industry. Bondsmen with decades in the industry can offer straightforward advice and reduce your stress. Time is everything for quick release. Follow the specifics about what not to wear and what not to do while in jail.
Remember, turning yourself in on a warrant does not mean you’re admitting guilt. In fact, it shows responsibility and good faith. You’re taking the initiative to address the warrant, demonstrating your commitment to follow through with the court process.
Post Bail with a Surety Bail Bondsman at 3-D Bail Bonds
Once booked, the bail bondsman can post your bail, and you will be released. The process is quick when the bondsman is involved because it guarantees the police that the defendant is being bonded out immediately. When turning yourself in, the police process feels more like an appointment. Bail Bondsman Jason shares, “Clients are often very concerned about whether they will be released or not. With all fairness, it’s scary. However, I am very successful in helping clients when they follow specific directions. Just listen to your bondsman, we do this day and night and know how to do it. In the end, we are here to make things less complicated for you.”
Bail Bondsman Jordan has been praised with 5-star reviews for helping clients with warrants.
Quita said, “Jason and Jordan of 3D Bail Bonds were nothing short of spectacular service! From the initial phone call and being patient in answering all of my questions and concerns and immediately jumping in to help I cannot thank them enough for their assistance. Will be recommending to anyone who asks me that is in need of a bail bondsman as 3D Bail Bondsman is the way to go :)”
Dave said, “These guys are amazing!!! Super professional and put my mind at ease as soon as I called. They walked me through every step and I couldn’t have more prepared and less nervous as I had turn myself due to a warrant. I spoke to Jordan right before I went into the police station and 48 minutes later I was processed and on my way home. These guys were extremely attentive and responded immediately and I can’t thank you guys enough !!!”
Attend Court Hearings
Once released from jail after turning yourself in, the most important condition to remain free is to attend court hearings. When a bail agency or a bail bondsman signs your release on bond, you promise that you will return to court during your pretrial. People released on bond must continue attending court hearings until the case is finished or adjudicated.
When you have an arrest warrant in Connecticut, a Surety bail bondsman at 3‑D Bail Bonds is available around the clock to help you safely and smoothly turn yourself in at any police department or courthouse in Connecticut. Our priority is protecting your freedom throughout the process. If you need bail financing, we offer flexible, affordable payment options and accept many forms of payment, making it easier for you to clear a warrant and get back home as quickly as possible.