Do arrest warrants expire in Florida?

Many people have the belief that arrest warrants expire. However, this is false. Arrest warrants can be issued in Florida for both felonies and misdemeanors and will remain active until the warrant is served or a judge withdraws it. For this reason, it is imperative to resolve any warrants for your arrest, so you do not run into unexpected problems.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides a database of active arrest warrants and is available at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/. 

What to do before an arrest warrant?

The first step is to find a criminal defense attorney who will review your charges and guide you toward possible solutions. With legal help, you will be able to evaluate whether or not a guilty plea is viable, in addition to preparing your discharge or having a defense that frees you from the arrest warrant. You should also be aware that a court order may affect your ability to find a job if your employer performs background checks. After the case is resolved, you can choose to delete or seal the case.

Is it possible to seal or delete the record?

Records may qualify to be sealed or expunged, but this does not apply to all crimes. Certain charges, such as domestic battery, cannot be sealed or expunged with a withheld adjudication provision.

If you have been accused of a crime, it is crucial that you do not delay in addressing the matter. An arrest warrant not only does not expire, but a judge may consider a lengthy delay in serving and dealing with the charges when considering the amount of bail to release you.

Remember that facing criminal charges does not mean you are out of options. An experienced attorney will evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action to balance the scales of justice for the best possible outcome for you. When you work with our criminal defense firm in Pensacola, you will be treated with dignity and empathy. Don't hesitate to call us!