4 Ways an Outstanding Arrest Warrant Will Affect You

While getting arrested for a crime is an unpleasant experience, an outstanding arrest warrant can have even worse consequences. An arrest warrant is a court order that authorizes the police to arrest and detain an individual. Whether you have an active warrant or just want to understand the implications of one, you should understand the ways in which it can affect you. In this article, we will delve into the four ways an outstanding arrest warrant can affect your life.

1. Travel and Movement

An outstanding arrest warrant will severely restrict your travel possibilities. You cannot pass through security checkpoints at American airports if you have an arrest warrant because security procedures now include a review of databases for passenger information, including criminal background. Also, an arrest warrant can make it impossible for you to get a passport or leave the country. Consequently, you cannot fly anywhere legally.

A warrant for your arrest also prevents you from legally operating a vehicle because the authorities will suspend your driver's license. If the police stop you, they will take you into custody for both the outstanding warrant and driving with a suspended license.

2. Work and Finances

An arrest warrant might come up on background checks when you apply for a job or ask for a loan. Also, an outstanding arrest warrant might limit your access to social security or housing aid from the government. This situation can restrict your ability to find employment or accommodation and recover your financial stability.

3. Military Service and Contracts

Any authorized civilians—including contractors—or active duty military personnel must ensure that they clear any outstanding arrest warrants before they can enter the base. The military base will revoke any existing access passes if they find an outstanding arrest under your name.

Similarly, the base will deny any requests for admission if they find a warrant issued on you. Military sites are subject to significantly stricter security measures than other locations. Thus, military personnel may halt or imprison anyone that tries to enter a base if they have an active arrest warrant against them. 

4. Personal Life

An outstanding arrest warrant can be quite inconvenient and lead to several issues within your personal lives. For example, the police may utilize this information to immediately arrest you when they stop you for a traffic infraction, or if you or a third party contact them at an accident site. This situation can be embarrassing and time-consuming if you get arrested. Also, you must post bail to gain temporary freedom.

An open arrest warrant can make it difficult for you to walk or even go out in public. Any police officer can take you into custody anytime and anywhere if they know the warrant's existence. This situation implies that they might arrest you after they show up at your place of employment, area of education, or even a café or coffee shop.

Additionally, the security officers might detain you at any hour of the day. However, some warrants are only effective during a particular period, depending on the case's specifics and the judge's approval. For instance, a warrant issued against you for a misdemeanor can limit the time that police officers can arrest you at home to between 6:00 am and 10:00 night.

Finally, an active arrest warrant can subject you to extra scrutiny from law authorities and increase the likelihood that other police officers will stop and question you in the future. Thus, you will find it challenging and stressful to go about your daily activities.

Contact us at Matt McKeehan Bail Bonds for warrant search services to clear them immediately and avoid these inconveniences.