North Carolina Arrest Warrants

Thanks to the internet, there is an amazing amount of records that we can access with a simple online search. Most people are eager to look up their own credit reports, but we can also check out our DMV records, insurance and even a listing of all our previous residences.

Another type of online search can reveal if there are any outstanding arrest warrants that have been sworn out in our name. Arrest warrants are not something you would automatically assume would be in your name. However, with the increasing incident of identity thefts, arrest warrants issued against innocent victims are on the rise.

A criminal who has stolen your identity doesn't care what kind of trouble they get into using your name. When a credit card company comes looking for retribution, they will go after the name on the card. That could be you and it could mean a North Carolina arrest warrant popping up in the system against you. If this occurs you can get help, but first you should understand the different types of arrest warrants issued in North Carolina.

North Carolina Bench Arrest Warrants
When a bench warrant is issued in North Carolina it's because someone hasn't done what the court ordered them to do. Failing to pay child support or alimony, not showing up for a drug test or not completing a driving course can all be reasons for a bench warrant to be issued against you.

There could be many reasons why you didn't fulfill a court order, but you'll have to explain those to the judge who issues the warrant. You might be able to clear the matter up, but if it has reached the point of having a bench warrant sworn out in your name it will be hard to avoid the actual arrest.

North Carolina Felony Arrest Warrants
The same judge that issues a bench warrant can also be called upon to issue a felony arrest warrant in your name. This will occur when that judge has been presented with enough compelling evidence to name you as the primary suspect in a major crime. It doesn't have to be all the potential evidence against you, but just enough to garner an arrest.

Unlike a bench warrant, a felony arrest warrant often triggers immediate action to apprehend the suspect. This is especially true when the crime in question is as serious as murder or a sexual offense. You might be ultimately proven to be innocent of the charge, but that will only be proven in court after the arrest has been carried out.

Dealing with an Arrest Warrant in North Carolina
There might be a statue of limitation on certain criminal offenses, but there is no expiration date on a North Carolina arrest warrant. Once issued, the only way to resolve the matter will be in front of a judge. If it goes that far, then you will be in a better position before the court if you have a lawyer standing by your side.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will know all the paperwork that has to be filed and how to approach the judge to get the matter resolved as quickly as possible. They will also be able to tell you if you can have that original arrest charge cleared off your record.