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What You Probably Don’t Know About Missouri Arrest Warrants

On this page, we will define the different types of warrants in Missouri. Below is an explanation of each kind of warrant that may be issued for you in Missouri. If you have any type of warrant do not hesitate to call the criminal defense lawyers at Krupp Law Firm immediately. If you are contacted or called by the police do NOT give a voluntary statement before calling the criminal defense lawyers at Krupp Law Firm. 

The types of Missouri warrants are

  • Alias Warrant
  • Bench Warrant
  • Capias Warrant
  • Civil Capias Warrant
  • Fugitive Warrant
  • Governors Warrant
  • Municipal Warrant
  • Search Warrant

Use the page content links to jump to the kind of warrant you are interested in learning about.

Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer is critical to protecting your freedom, reputation, and personal record. It may be possible that a warrant will be part of your criminal background record.

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How Do I Check if I Have an Arrest Warrant in Missouri?

Missouri warrants are public information. Anyone can browse Casenet and find out if you or anyone else has an active arrest warrant.

If you want to search arrest warrants on the public record database Casenet

How to search Casenet:

  1. Use this link to visit Casenet
  2. Search 'litigant name search'
  3. Type the last name of the person you want to search
  4. Click on the case number
  5. Use the tab for docket entries to find any warrants.

Alternatives to an internet search are to call your local sheriff's department or county courthouse clerk.

Alias Warrant

An Alias Warrant is when you fail to appear for your court date before any plea has been entered. It's also used if you fail to respond to a citation either in person or by mail. With an Alias Warrant failure to appear will be added as a new charge.

Bench Warrant

A bench warrant is issued from the judge's bench. If you are absent on your court date the judge will call for you. If you are absent the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. The bench warrant will be for 'failure to appear' in court on your scheduled court date. Bench warrants can go on your criminal background and/or DMV record.

A bench warrant can also be issued if you are currently on probation/parole and you are failing to meet the progress expected of you.

I missed my court date! How do I get rid of a bench warrant?

There are a few factors when trying to resolve a bench warrant. If it's a 'judge only' bench warrant that means you can only resolve the warrant with that particular judge.

The worst thing to do is to avoid a bench warrant. Law enforcement can and will arrest you at your home, job or during a routine traffic stop. If law enforcement arrests you during a traffic stop they will impound your vehicle. You will have to pay an expensive to get your car out of impound.

By ignoring the bench warrant the judge believes you would have not come to the court on your own free will. The judge may issue more charges and fines. You may also be required to pay a higher bond and/or forfeit any bond you have already paid. With more serious charges your bond may be revoked and you will have to stay in jail until your case is heard in court. These are things you want to avoid since they can have many repercussions such as a loss of employment.

The best thing you can do is call the criminal defense lawyers at Krupp Law Firm and be proactive about resolving your case. You won't be able to negotiate with law enforcement or the "victim". Once the warrant is issued you will need to deal with it right away. With our lawyers, you may be able to get a second chance instead of facing the worst-case scenario.

If I show up to court with a bench warrant will I be arrested?

If there is a bench warrant for your arrest and you got to court on an unrelated matter it is most likely you will be arrested. Warrants are stored in a computer file system. The court clerk and judge will most likely have access to your criminal background. If you have a warrant call the criminal defense attorneys at Krupp Law Firm right away.

Capias Warrant

A Capias Warrant is basically an order to arrest and detain the individual to guarantee they show up for court. Capias is a latin term that means 'for the taking of'. Capias Warrants are mostly for the capture of the individual and are generally not used as 'Search Warrants'.

Mostly, Capias Warrants are issued for failure to appear. When you have a court date and the judge has roll call if you are not there a warrant for your arrest will be issued.

The main purpose of a Capias Warrant is if you have already have a guilty judgment. If you fail to complete or comply with the court orders a Capias Warrant will be issued.

You can resolve the Capias Warrant by either paying your fine/restitution in full or by receiving "time served" by a judge after spending time incarcerated.

If you receive a criminal conviction you must appear on all court dates. If you do not appear a Capias Warrant will be issued. If you fail to appear in court the judge will revoke your bond whether it was a signature or cash. If it was cash and you used a bail bonds agent they will most likely hunt you down and arrest you. Law enforcement will also be looking for you. If you have a Capais Warrant and are pulled over during a routine traffic stop. Police will take your information and check if you have any warrants. If you do they will arrest you and impound your vehicle.

Common reasons a judge will issue a Capais Warrant:

  • Criminal Charges
  • Failure to appear in traffic court
  • Civil or family court-related cases

Capias Warrants can be issued if you fail to pay child support that was ordered by the court.

If you know that you have a capias warrant for your arrest call the criminal defense lawyers at Krupp Law Firm right now!

Capias Pro Fine Warrant

A Capias Pro Fine Warrant if you fail to comply with a court order related to a criminal charge. If the court has ordered you to pay a fine or restitution connected to a criminal case. If you fail to pay the fine or restitution a warrant will be issued for your arrest. You will appear in front of a judge to explain your circumstances.

A capias pro fine occurs when a defendant has failed to comply with a court order related to a judgment. For example, a defendant expected to pay a fine or restitution could be the subject of a capias pro fine warrant, but this does not automatically imply that they must spend time at a detention center. The defendant is to be delivered directly before the judge; this gives the subject opportunity to show good cause or explain why the judgment has not been fulfilled.

Civil Capias Warrant

A Civil Capias Warrant is issued by a court when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled hearing or fails to comply with a court order. Its purpose is to compel the individual to appear in court, rather than to arrest them for a specific crime. This type of warrant is often used in civil cases, such as those involving debt collection or family law matters.

It is important to note that while a Civil Capias Warrant is not an arrest warrant, an individual may still be detained if they are found to be in violation of the warrant. In these cases, the individual may be held in custody until they can be brought before the court.

At Krupp Law Firm, it is our duty to understand the nuances of different types of warrants and their purposes. If you or someone you know is facing a Civil Capias Warrant, it is important to consult with our experienced criminal defense attorneys who can help guide you through the legal process.

Criminal Warrant

One of the most common types of warrants is a criminal warrant, which is issued when someone is suspected of committing a crime and there is probable cause to support the allegation.

Probable cause is a legal term that refers to the level of evidence needed to justify an arrest or search warrant. It means that there is a reasonable basis for believing that the individual in question has committed a crime. This may be based on eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, or other types of evidence that support the suspicion.

When a criminal warrant is issued, law enforcement officials are authorized to arrest the individual and bring them before a judge to face criminal charges. The warrant typically includes specific information about the individual, including their name, physical description, and the charges against them.

If you are the subject of a criminal warrant, it is important to take the matter seriously and seek legal representation as soon as possible. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life.

At the Krupp Law Firm in St. Louis, MO, we understand the gravity of criminal charges and work diligently to protect our clients' rights and interests. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges or a criminal warrant, we are here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Fugitive Warrant

If a state believes you are residing in another state they can issue a Fugitive Warrant. This means the local jurisdiction will be notified and they can arrest you at your job, home, or during a traffic stop. They can extradite you to where the state where you are wanted for arrest. When you get picked up you will be booked in the local jail. You will have to wait there until law enforcement can escort you to the jurisdiction you are wanted for arrest. You won't get a court date until you are booked in the jurisdiction where you are wanted. You probably won't be able to have a bond so you will have to wait until they can complete the process.

If you have a fugitive warrant do not wait to call the criminal defense lawyers at Krupp Law Firm immediately.

Governor’s Warrant

If you committed a crime in another state a Governers Warrant can be issued for your arrest. Local law enforcement will arrest you at your job, home or during a traffic stop. You will be held in the local jail until you can be extradited to where the warrant was issued. It is likely you won't be able to bail out of jail until after you are transported and go to court.

Governers Warrant is very serious and if you have or think you may have one contact the Krupp Law Firm immediatley.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
4th Amendment U.S. Constitution

Search Warrant

How Police Get Search Warrants And What To Do About It

4th amendment of the United States Constitution requires a Search Warrant may only be issued with 'Probable Cause'. Police must make a 'sworn statement' called an affidavit. An affidavit must provide a description of the place to be searched, the items police expect to find, and why law enforcement believes they will find what they are looking for. All of these need to be fairly specific.

The judge or magistrate will sign off on the affidavit if there is fair probability evidence of a crime will be found in the place they search.

A search warrant can be invalidated by a review judge. If you were subjected to a search warrant and receive charges you need a tough aggressive criminal defense lawyer. Call the criminal defense lawyers at Krupp Law Firm to start building your defense today.

Warrantless searches in Missouri. Exceptions to search warrants:

Not all searches by law enforcement require a search warrant. Some of the circumstances include:

  • Plain view. When evidence is in plain view of law enforcement. This can also include smell. Commonly if a police officer stops your vehicle and can smell the order of marijuana they might as to search the car.
  • Plain feel. If a police officer feels contraband or a weapon on you during a lawful pat-down.
  • Consent/Permission. When the police ask for your permission to search and you consent. It's common for police to ask to search your vehicle during a traffic stop.
  • Probation. If you are on probation or parole you may have to consent to a search of yourself, property, or home.
  • Persuit of a felon. If law enforcement is in hot pursuit of a dangerous felon they might not need a search warrant.
  • Immediate destruction on evidence. If the police believe the evidence will be destroyed before they can obtain a search warrant.
  • Emergency search. If law enforcement hears someone crying or asking by yelling for help inside a structure.
  • Public safety. If law enforcement believes there is an immediate threat or danger to the public.

If you have been subjected to search without a warrant call the lawyers at Krupp law firm immediately. The police may have taken too much liberty and Krupp Law Firm can possibly get your case dismissed.

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