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

 Posted on August 13, 2024 in Federal Crimes

Once you have a good understanding of federal warrants and arrests, you will need to know how to determine whether a warrant has been issued for your arrest and what steps you can take before the arrest occurs. Understandably, this is a difficult time. Federal charges and penalties are generally more severe than those of your state, and not knowing what the future holds is tough, to say the least.

Perhaps you will get a referral for a criminal defense attorney or choose one from the internet. Either way, if you are facing federal charges, you must be sure your attorney has experience with the federal criminal justice system. Choosing a Houston, TX federal criminal defense attorney from Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. can be the best step to take to protect your future. Attorney Doug Murphy is one of only two Texas lawyers who are Board Certified in Criminal Law.

Determining Whether a Warrant for Your Arrest Has Been Issued

Sometimes, you will not know of an arrest warrant until the moment law enforcement takes you into custody. That said, it is possible in some cases to learn of a warrant before it is executed. Federal warrants, like state warrants, must be based on probable cause. Warrants are often a matter of public record, meaning a court clerk or a check with the National Crime Information Center could inform you of a warrant's existence. Your best chance to act before a warrant is executed is to contact a Houston federal defense lawyer. Your attorney could confirm if you are facing a federal warrant and help you prepare for what comes next.

There are other ways you might learn of a warrant outside of these official channels. In many cases, law enforcement will come to your home or contact your family in an effort to arrest you. If this is the case, you might get a call from your family members informing you that federal authorities are looking for you. In some cases when you are not at home or work, federal officers might reach out to you directly over the phone in an attempt to arrest you. This will typically only occur for lower-level crimes where officers do not suspect you will run or hide.

Steps to Take Before a Federal Crimes Arrest in Texas

If you learn of the existence of a federal warrant before you are arrested, you must avoid making your situation worse. While your instincts might tell you to go into hiding or make a break for it, it is vital that you comply with law enforcement. Any attempt to avoid arrest could result in additional charges against you.

The steps you take before your arrest could dramatically impact how your case goes once you are in custody. If you are considered a flight risk, you can expect to face objections to anything from bail to surrendering your passport.

The most important step you can take before facing arrest is to contact a defense attorney with experience handling federal crimes. Your attorney could assist you in determining if there is a warrant for your arrest. They could advise you of the steps you need to take prior to arrest without getting into additional legal jeopardy. They could also assist you in negotiating your surrender to federal authorities.

Contact an Experienced Houston, TX Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

When you choose Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. to defend you against federal criminal charges, you will know immediately that you are in good hands. When taking on a federal case, we know the difference between federal and state crimes—and we know how to prepare in response. The experience and skill of our Houston, TX, federal criminal defense attorney is unparalleled. We will answer all your questions thoroughly yet in an easy-to-understand manner. There is no benefit in delaying your selection of an attorney. Contact Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. at 713-229-8333 to schedule your free consultation today.