Realizing that there’s a warrant for your arrest can be frightening. You might not know what the warrant is for, whether police can come to your home or job, or what will happen if you turn yourself in. Taking quick and informed action can make a major difference in how your situation unfolds. Here’s what to do if you have a warrant for your arrest in Colorado and how Baker Law Group, PLLC can help protect your rights.
What It Means to Have a Warrant for Arrest
A warrant for arrest is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to take you into custody. In Colorado, there are two main types of warrants: arrest warrants, issued after an investigation or when charges are filed, and bench warrants, issued when someone fails to appear in court or violates a court order.
If you have a warrant out for arrest, it means law enforcement has legal authority to arrest you at any time. Warrants are entered into a statewide system, and officers can see them during a traffic stop, airport screening, or any police contact.
How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Colorado
Before deciding what to do if you have a warrant, you need to confirm whether one actually exists. You can:
Check online through the Colorado Judicial Branch’s court database.
Call the local sheriff’s office in the county where you suspect the warrant was issued.
Consult an attorney, who can verify it discreetly and without increasing your risk of arrest.
Avoid calling the police directly to ask about your own warrant. Officers are obligated to act if they confirm your identity and the warrant is valid.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant
If you discover that a warrant for arrest has been issued, staying calm and acting strategically is crucial. Do not ignore it. Here’s what to do if you have a warrant for your arrest in Colorado:
Step 1: Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
An attorney can confirm the warrant, review what charges or violations it involves, and prepare a plan before you turn yourself in. At Baker Law Group, PLLC, our Colorado criminal lawyers regularly handle cases involving outstanding warrants, missed court dates, and pending criminal charges. We work to minimize your time in custody and protect your record.
Step 2: Avoid Sudden or Risky Encounters with Police
Once a warrant exists, police can arrest you anywhere — even at work or during a routine traffic stop. Until you resolve it, avoid situations that might lead to an encounter with law enforcement. Your attorney can help coordinate a safe and controlled surrender to prevent public embarrassment or unnecessary risk.
Step 3: Prepare for Voluntary Surrender
If your lawyer confirms the warrant, they can contact the court or law enforcement to arrange a voluntary surrender. Turning yourself in voluntarily, with an attorney present, often leads to better treatment by the court and may reduce the likelihood of being held in jail overnight. Your attorney can also request that your appearance be scheduled during business hours so you can be processed and released the same day.
Step 4: Bring Proper Documentation
When appearing to address the warrant, bring identification, proof of address, and any paperwork related to the case. Your lawyer can guide you on what to expect, what to say, and how to handle any questioning. Being organized helps the process move more quickly and demonstrates that you are taking responsibility.
What Happens After You Turn Yourself In
After you surrender or are arrested on a warrant, you’ll go through a booking process. If the warrant is for a minor offense, you may be released on bond or personal recognizance within hours. For more serious charges, you’ll appear before a judge who will decide bail conditions.
Having an attorney involved early can influence how bail is set and whether you remain in custody. Your lawyer can also file motions to quash the warrant or request a bond reduction, depending on the circumstances.
Can a Lawyer Get a Warrant Dropped?
In some cases, yes. If the warrant was issued for a missed court date or a clerical issue, your attorney can file a motion to quash. This asks the judge to cancel the warrant and schedule a new appearance instead. For arrest warrants involving criminal charges, your attorney may negotiate a surrender and immediate bond hearing to avoid unnecessary jail time.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Warrant
Ignoring a warrant for arrest can make your situation much worse. The longer a warrant remains active, the higher the chance you’ll be arrested unexpectedly. You could lose the opportunity to negotiate release terms, and you may face additional charges for failure to appear or obstruction. Handling it directly with legal representation is always safer and smarter than hoping it disappears.
How Baker Law Group, PLLC Can Help
If you have a warrant out for arrest in Colorado, Baker Law Group, PLLC can help you take control of the situation before it escalates. Our criminal defense team represents clients across Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and surrounding areas. We communicate directly with courts and prosecutors, arrange safe surrender when needed, and work to protect your freedom and your record.
Our attorneys have extensive experience with misdemeanor, felony, and bench warrant cases. We know how to navigate the system and keep clients informed every step of the way. When you work with Baker Law Group, PLLC, you have a team that treats your case with urgency, discretion, and respect.
Take Action Before Law Enforcement Does
A warrant doesn’t go away on its own — but you have options. By acting quickly, you can regain control of your situation and limit the impact on your life. If you’ve discovered or suspect a warrant for your arrest, contact Baker Law Group, PLLC today. Our team can verify the warrant, advise you on next steps, and help you move forward with confidence.
