Removing Outstanding Warrants

Experienced Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Helping Clients Resolve Warrants While Staying Out of Jail

Finding out that there’s a warrant out for your arrest can be alarming—especially if you didn’t even know it existed. Maybe you missed a court date years ago. Maybe a minor offense slipped through the cracks. Or maybe a misunderstanding has left you unfairly exposed to arrest. Whatever the reason, ignoring a warrant won’t make it go away. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy helps people across Massachusetts or those now living outside the United States resolve old warrants without unnecessary arrests or public embarrassment. As a Boston criminal defense lawyer with over 27 years of experience, Attorney Murphy knows how to work with the courts to remove outstanding warrants efficiently and discreetly.

Types of Warrants in Massachusetts

There are two common types of warrants issued in Massachusetts:

• Default warrants. Also referred to as Bench Warrants, these are issued when you fail to appear in court after being charged with a crime or after receiving a summons. They can be issued for serious felonies or minor misdemeanors—even something as simple as a traffic offense. A judge can also issue a default warrant if you fail to appear for a court date related to a potential violation of probation.
• Straight warrants. These are issued when a law enforcement officer or prosecutor seeks an arrest based on a new criminal charge. Unlike default warrants, straight warrants may be issued before you even know you’re under investigation.

Both types of warrants give police the authority to arrest you at any time—at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop.

The Risks of Letting am Outstanding Warrant Linger

Some people assume that because they haven’t been arrested yet, their warrant has been forgotten. That’s rarely true. Warrants stay active until they’re resolved.

The longer a warrant goes unresolved, the more likely you are to:

• Be arrested during a traffic stop or routine ID check
• Face additional charges or penalties for failing to appear
• Lose out on jobs, housing, or benefits due to background checks
• Be denied bail or face a more serious sentence when you finally go to court

Even if the original charge was minor, a warrant can escalate the situation quickly because, depending on the circumstances, the judge may feel as though you are less likely to appear in the future.

How an Attorney Can Help Quash a Warrant

In many cases, a lawyer can take steps to remove the warrant without you ever being taken into custody. Attorney Murphy will:

• Contact the court where the warrant was issued
• File a motion to remove or “recall” the warrant
• Schedule a hearing or negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor
• Appear in court with you—or in some cases, on your behalf—to resolve the matter

The approach depends on the charge, how long the warrant has been active, and whether you’ve had any other legal issues in the meantime. But in many situations, the court is willing to work with you—especially if you’re making a good-faith effort to come forward.

What If You’re Out of State and Have an Outstanding Warrant?

Outstanding Massachusetts warrants don’t go away just because you’ve moved. In fact, some can lead to extradition depending on the charge. Attorney Murphy regularly works with clients who have left the state but are trying to clear up criminal cases in Boston or surrounding areas. If you live elsewhere, we may be able to appear in court on your behalf or negotiate a resolution that prevents your arrest.

If You Have an Outstanding Warrant, Don’t Wait for the Knock on the Door

An outstanding warrant is a cloud that doesn’t go away on its own. But with the right Boston criminal defense attorney, you may be able to resolve it without being arrested or put in jail. Attorney Patrick J. Murphy has helped countless people quash default warrants, avoid surprise arrests, and move forward with their lives. If you’ve discovered a warrant—or even suspect one may exist—call the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy at (617) 367-0450. We’ll help you take control before the situation takes control of you.