Yes, a lawyer can clear a warrant in New Mexico on your behalf. However, they will need to investigate the background of your arrest or bench warrant first. Depending upon the facts, you may be able to either pay the set bond amount and bench warrant fee or file a motion to cancel the warrant and/or appear before the judge.
A warrant is no joke and can result in an immediate arrest. If you feel anxious and helpless in this situation, you may have legal options that do not involve jail. Speak with a New Mexico criminal defense lawyer to determine which options are available to you or your loved one.
In this article, the Grano Law Offices, P.C. legal team answers your most important questions on warrants, including determining if you have one, how to handle it, and other vital details.
Confirm that You Have a Warrant in New Mexico First
Start by determining if you have an active warrant out for your arrest. You need to know which court issued the warrant and whether it is an arrest warrant or bench warrant. Law enforcement uses arrest warrants for criminal suspects, whereas courts use bench warrants for failing to follow court rules.
You can determine if you have a warrant in New Mexico by:
- Searching online court records (if available)
- Contacting the court or sheriff’s office directly
- Speaking with a criminal defense lawyer
The easiest way to find out if you have a warrant is if the court offers an online records search. Many municipal courts in New Mexico do not provide online search features. Ultimately, the safest approach toward confirming your warrant is by contacting an attorney directly.
While you are legally allowed to contact their offices independently, you risk jeopardizing your case. Avoid making this common mistake and get a legal professional to establish what your options are first.
How to Get Rid of a Warrant in New Mexico
Your strategy for getting rid of a warrant in New Mexico depends upon your situation. The outcome also hinges on the warrant type. If you try to handle it independently, you risk facing an arrest but not always.
Even if you can get rid of your warrant, you are still facing the underlying court charges and any new ones as well. The criminal justice system is complicated and a range of factors apply differently on a case by case basis.
Warrants, generally resolve when you:
- Pay the bond amount and fees
- Turn yourself over to the police
- File a motion to cancel the warrant and attend a court hearing
Getting arrested will resolve the warrant, but that outcome is one that most people are trying to avoid in the first place. The only way you can assuredly protect your rights is by hiring legal representation to handle the situation on your behalf. The State of New Mexico offers several options for resolving warrants, which may be available to you.
Do not delay any further and deal with your arrest or bench warrant as soon as possible. You can also check out this article to learn more about clearing bench warrants specifically.
Will You Go to Jail If You Turn Yourself In?
You might go to jail if you turn yourself in on a bench or arrest warrant. If you are in jail, it is much harder to resolve your legal situation than if you are on the other side of the bars. While you should not delay handling an active warrant, a criminal defense attorney can protect your legal rights and fight for the best possible result.
Can You Pay Off a Warrant Without Going to Jail?
Depending on the type of warrant and established bond amount, if any, you may be able to pay off a warrant in New Mexico without going to jail. However, this option is not available for every case, court, and jurisdiction. The severity of your situation and circumstances may prevent this from happening.
For example, if you have an arrest warrant out for serious felony charges, you may not have the option of paying off a set bond and court costs. Instead, it is likely that there will be a no bond hold specified in the warrant. On the other hand, a bench warrant for not paying a speeding ticket may be more straightforward for your attorney to resolve.
An attorney can give you the information you need as well as help you handle the underlying charges.
Get Help Clearing a Warrant in New Mexico with a Lawyer
Do you believe there is a warrant out for your arrest? Do not delay a minute longer and get the legal help you want. Schedule a Free Case Strategy Session with a New Mexico criminal defense lawyer at Grano Law Offices, P.C. by calling (505) 426-8711 or message us through the contact form below.
