Kevin Kennedy Law Firm | Former Prosecutor | 615-205-7311. Call or text for a free consultation.
If you discover that there is a warrant for your arrest in Tennessee, one of the first questions is whether you actually need a lawyer before turning yourself in. In many cases, speaking with a criminal defense lawyer first can help you understand what kind of warrant exists, why it was issued, what court controls it, whether bond is available, and what is likely to happen when the warrant is served.
Kevin Kennedy is a Nashville criminal defense lawyer and former Davidson County prosecutor. He can investigate the warrant, review the underlying case, and help develop a plan for addressing it rather than simply waiting to be arrested unexpectedly.
What Kind of Warrant Is It?
- An arrest warrant may arise from a new criminal accusation. A bench warrant or capias may be issued because of a missed court date or other court-related problem. A probation-violation warrant is different again because the sentencing court may control whether and when the defendant can be released.
- Knowing the type of warrant is critical because the strategy for resolving it can differ substantially.
Why Talk to a Lawyer Before Turning Yourself In?
- A lawyer may be able to determine the case number, issuing court, charge, bond status, and whether another hold exists before the client walks into custody.
- That information can help the client make practical arrangements for work, family, medication, transportation, a bondsman, and a possible court appearance. It can also allow the defense to begin gathering evidence or preparing a bond request before the arrest occurs.
Can a Lawyer Get a Warrant Recalled?
- Sometimes the defense can ask the issuing court to address a warrant, capias, or failure-to-appear issue, but the available procedure depends on the court and the reason the warrant was issued. A lawyer cannot promise that a warrant will simply disappear.
- The correct approach may involve a motion, a court appearance, arranging surrender, addressing bond, or resolving the underlying case.
What if the Warrant Is for Missing Court?
- The reason for missing court may matter. Hospitalization, incarceration elsewhere, lack of notice, transportation problems, or a genuine mistake can present differently from intentionally avoiding court.
- The defense should document the reason whenever possible and be prepared to explain why the court should restore a reasonable bond or recall the capias.
What if the Warrant Is for a Probation Violation?
- A probation-violation warrant can be more complicated than an ordinary arrest warrant. The defendant may face a hold that prevents release until the sentencing judge addresses the alleged violation. A lawyer should obtain the violation warrant, review the alleged grounds, and determine what release options are legally available.
Should I Just Wait Until Police Find Me?
- Waiting can create practical problems. An arrest may occur at home, at work, during a traffic stop, or at another inconvenient time. Addressing the warrant proactively may allow the defense to plan for bond, court, and the underlying charge in a more orderly way.
Talk With a Tennessee Warrant Lawyer
If you believe there is a warrant for your arrest in Tennessee, call or text Kevin Kennedy Law Firm at 615-205-7311 for a free consultation before deciding how to proceed.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice.