What Happens in Houston with a Federal Arrest Warrant (Part Three)

 Posted on August 20, 2024 in Federal Crimes

Should you find yourself facing a federal arrest warrant, it is essential that you make no mistakes that could potentially jeopardize your defense. Federal charges are very different from state charges in procedure and in penalties in the event of a conviction. The sooner you have a Houston, TX federal criminal defense lawyer by your side, the sooner he or she can begin building a strong defense on your behalf.

Surrendering to Federal Authorities in Texas

If you cannot avoid a federal warrant for your arrest, turning yourself in could have a wide range of benefits. First, it allows you to appear before the U.S. Marshals Office on your own accord. This could save you the trauma and embarrassment of facing a public arrest. In some cases, surrendering to federal authorities could also dramatically reduce the amount of time you are in custody before you are able to be freed on bail.

Your chances of release go up when you surrender, just like they go down if you avoid arrest. By negotiating your surrender, you could also find yourself in court sooner than you might otherwise. While this is not as pressing if you receive bail, the sooner you go before the judge for arraignment, the better.

Your lawyer could help you negotiate your surrender by contacting the U.S. Marshals Office directly on your behalf. While their office is under no obligation to work with you, they frequently do so on low-level cases where the risk of flight is limited. A successful negotiation will result in a specific date and time for you to appear at the U.S. Marshals Office to surrender. This setup has the additional benefit of giving you some time to make arrangements for your business, family, and even your pets.

Keep in mind that law enforcement can still arrest you as long as there is an active warrant. If they negotiate an agreement to surrender with your attorney, they are typically less likely to aggressively pursue your arrest before the time you are scheduled to surrender. That said, you could still find yourself arrested prematurely if you cross paths with law enforcement. Should the police pull you over while driving, they can arrest you on the spot. They are under no obligation to let you go and allow you to surrender later.

By surrendering, the entire process could come together quickly. Your attorney will be able to appear with you when you surrender, cutting short the time law enforcement would normally waste waiting for your attorney to arrive. By appearing with you as you surrender, they can also help ensure you do not voluntarily make any damaging statements while you are being taken into custody.

What to Do After Your Federal Crimes Arrest in Texas

The steps you take after your arrest depend entirely on how your arrest occurred. If you had the opportunity to contact a lawyer and arrange your surrender, you could be released on bail in short order. If you wait until you are arrested on the warrant, it is important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Once your criminal case has begun, it is crucial that you avoid speaking to anyone other than your lawyer about it. Friends and family members will likely have many questions, but volunteering any information about your case will only work against you.

If you are granted bail, your freedom will depend on your continued ability to stay out of trouble. It is vital that you meet the conditions of your arrest while you await trial. For example, if you are ordered to avoid drugs or alcohol, failure to do so could result in your incarceration awaiting trial.

It is important to stay calm. While your future could be at risk, panicking will only make things worse. By remaining calm and collected, you put yourself in a position to help your attorney. By working closely with your legal counsel, you could improve your chances of prevailing at trial.

Contact a Houston, TX Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Having a lawyer who has extensive experience in federal criminal defense is essential if you are facing federal charges. Choosing Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. ensures you will receive a comprehensive defense that results in the best outcome possible. A highly skilled Houston, TX federal criminal defense lawyer will look at your situation from every angle to determine whether there were errors in your arrest or violations of your rights. Contact Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 to schedule your free consultation.