Learning there's a warrant out for your arrest can be frightening and confusing—especially if you had no idea it existed. At Goldstein & Handwerker, we've helped countless people through this exact situation. Whether the warrant is for something as minor as an unpaid traffic ticket or a missed court date, staying calm and taking the right steps is crucial.

How Do Warrants Get Issued Without You Knowing?

You might be surprised to learn how often warrants are issued without the person even realizing it. The most common cause? Unpaid or forgotten traffic tickets. Maybe a parking ticket was left on your windshield and blew away, or you thought a small fine wasn't worth the hassle. But over time, if it goes unpaid, a warrant can be issued.

Other types of warrants—like bench warrants—are often issued when someone fails to appear in court. This can happen in cases involving minor criminal charges or even old DWI offenses. While police may not be actively looking for you, the issue can resurface years later during a routine traffic stop or background check.

What Should You Do?

The most important thing is not to panic. The next step is to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. In many cases, especially in New Jersey, an experienced lawyer can quickly resolve the issue.

Here's how it works:
A lawyer can write to the court and request a hearing to vacate the warrant. If granted, the court will remove the warrant, allowing you to appear voluntarily and address the underlying issue. This simple action can prevent a surprise arrest and help you move forward.

At Goldstein & Handwerker, we handle these situations frequently and know how to resolve them efficiently. If you discover there's a warrant for your arrest, give us a call or visit www.ghawnyj.com for more information. We're here to help you take control of the situation and get back on track.