Traveling With an Old Warrant? Why Summer Road Trips Increase Your Chances of Being Arrested Out-of-State
Every summer, Connecticut heats up like someone forgot to turn off the oven, and suddenly, residents are fleeing their homes for beaches, mountains, and often neighboring states. Coincidentally, Connecticut also receives roughly 17 million visitors during the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, which opens up the conversation about out-of-state arrests and warrants.
With their focus on enjoying their trip, it is easy to forget that laws still apply to visitors, and they may differ from those at home. This results in hundreds of out-of-state arrests for Connecticut residents. Things may slip the mind while on a trip, but there are ways to prevent out-of-state arrests.
How Police Find Out‑of‑State Warrants During a Road Trip?
The most common way is when you are stopped for a traffic violation, which can include speeding, running a red light, or driving while speaking on a handheld cell phone. Even if you were not driving, officers can ask to see your ID. Law enforcement can run your license plate without stopping you, which sometimes triggers information in the NCIS or Bolo (be on the lookout).
Checking your name and asking routine questions are normal, so keep your cool and follow instructions. A DUI checkpoint or safety check is also quite often in the summer months. At these stops, they’re ensuring that no one is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What Can You Do When an Out-of-State Arrest Happens?
What you can do next depends on where the warrant originated and what stage the case is in. The most important immediate step is to assert your rights immediately. Once a warrant is issued, it is entered into the NCIC national database, allowing any state to detain you. We discussed types of arrest warrants on our recent blog.
3 Things to Understand What’s Happening After An Out-of-State Arrest:
- The arresting state (where you were picked up)
- The demanding state (where the charges are)
- The extradition rules between them
Can a Connecticut Bail Bondsman Assist?
Yes. If you are arrested in Connecticut, a licensed bail bondsman or agency from Connecticut can assist with your release. The process to approve your bail may be different if you are from out-of-state. This is what the insurance calls someone a flight risk. Being arrested while on vacation over the summer can be detrimental for families, especially when arrested away from home.
Out-of-state arrests and legal steps can significantly differ from state to state. In some cases, individuals could be released on their personal recognizance (PTA or non-surety bond), while others could face hefty bail amounts due to an arrest on a felony charge warrant. In the latter, the bail bond must be posted to be released from jail. If the warrant was served over the weekend, the defendant can post bail or wait incarcerated until Monday for arraignment in front of the judge.
How To Avoid Out-of-State Arrests
Research State Laws
The best way to avoid out-of-state arrests is to research the laws for the state or country you are visiting. Not every state or country has the same laws, which could result in arrest if you are not careful. For example, Las Vegas, Nevada, allows the drinking of open alcohol containers in public. However, in Connecticut, you are not allowed to drink open alcohol containers in public. It is important to research the laws of the state or country you are visiting because the criminal justice system may work differently there.
Check if They Have Bail
Not every state in the United States has commercial bail or cash bail. This means you may end up stuck behind bars in an unfamiliar area with unfamiliar laws. You can not post a bond with a bondsman or with the state and be released. Most countries do not have bail. Being arrested in a state or country with no bail means you would have to wait until they decide whether you qualify for release or not. If they decide to keep you in custody, there is nothing you can do. You can avoid an out-of-state arrest by researching their laws.
Extradition
If you are arrested out-of-state and law enforcement finds previous arrest warrants from another state, they may have you extradited. This means that even if you are caught on a minor infringement that doesn’t require jail time, but they see that you have arrest warrants in another state, they can arrange transportation to deliver you to the law enforcement of that state. After this, you’d then have to deal with the laws of the state you have been extradited to. The best way to avoid this is to turn yourself in to your home state and clear up any existing warrants.
About Connecticut and Bail Bond Services
If you live in a bail state, like Connecticut, you can hire a bondsman who will walk you through the process and bail you out immediately. This will clear your warrants and provide you with pretrial release freedoms. Unless you have been given specific regulations, you can still travel on bail, as long as you show up to your court dates. If you skip your court dates, bail enforcement agents will find you regardless of state or country lines. Once released on bail, appearing in court should be your number one priority to keep your freedom and to avoid a new bail amount tied to a re-arrest warrant.
When traveling this summer, it is best to research the laws and customs of your destination. No one wants their fun vacation time ruined by legal issues. You should be able to relax and enjoy your time with no worries. If you research the place you are visiting, legal problems could be easily avoided. However, if you still end up in trouble and are in a state that has cash bail, it is a smart choice to consider bonding out.
Staying behind bars in an unfamiliar location for an unknown amount of time is likely not a good idea. You may have used time off for a specific amount of time, and now you are risking your employment by staying behind bars. It is best to avoid an out-of-state arrest at all costs.
If you ever find yourself facing an arrest in Connecticut, whether it’s a local charge or an out‑of‑state arrest, 3‑D Bail Bonds is the team you want in your corner. Our agents specialize in navigating the added complexity of interstate arrests and warrants, coordinating with courts, police departments, and families across state lines to speed up the release process and minimize your time in custody.
When you’re taken into custody in Connecticut, one call to 860-247-2245 can change everything. 3‑D Bail Bonds can secure bail and arrange your release within hours. Learn more about our bail bond services at police departments and local prisons.
This post was contributed by 3-D Bail Bonds’ Intern, Ava Alers.