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Our East Lansing criminal defense lawyer at Ben Hall Law understands the different types of warrants that Michigan law enforcement can act on.
Law enforcement may use several types of warrants, including arrest warrants, bench warrants, search warrants, search and seizure warrants, and no-knock warrants. While officers often act on these quickly, they do not always locate the person named in an arrest or bench warrant straight away. When that happens, the warrant does not simply disappear. So how long does it stay valid? Here is what you need to know.
A judge or magistrate issues an arrest warrant when they find probable cause that someone committed a crime. This warrant allows law enforcement to arrest the individual and take them into custody. Police typically rely on arrest warrants when they suspect someone of an offence but have not yet detained them.
A judge issues a bench warrant when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. This often happens after missed hearings, unpaid fines, or probation violations. A bench warrant gives law enforcement the authority to arrest the individual and bring them before the court.
In most cases, arrest warrants and bench warrants in Michigan do not expire.
Once a court issues a warrant, it stays active until police arrest the individual, the person appears in court, or the court formally recalls or quashes it.
Arrest warrants remain in place until law enforcement executes them or the court withdraws them. They do not expire automatically and can stay active for years, especially in more serious cases. In some situations involving minor offences, a prosecutor or court may choose to dismiss the warrant after a long period, but this does not happen by default.
Bench warrants work the same way. They stay active until the person resolves the issue by appearing in court or being taken into custody. A judge can recall the warrant, but until that happens, it remains in effect.
Because warrants do not expire on their own, you should deal with them as soon as possible. Ignoring a warrant increases the risk of arrest and can lead to additional penalties.
Our Michigan criminal defense attorney can review your situation, explain your options, and help you take control of the process. This may include arranging a voluntary surrender, asking the court to recall the warrant, or working towards a more favourable outcome while limiting disruption to your life.
Contact Ben Hall Law today to discuss your situation with a trusted professional who believes in you and your case by calling (877)-236-4255 or contacting us online. Your fight is our fight. Let’s get started.
