What Should I Do If There’s a Warrant for My Arrest in Miami?

By Jonathan Blecher on September 3, 2025

Discovering that a warrant has been issued for your arrest can be an overwhelming experience. Whether the warrant stems from a missed court date, a misunderstanding, or an ongoing criminal investigation, taking the right steps immediately is crucial to protecting your freedom and legal rights. In Miami and throughout South Florida, arrest warrants are serious legal matters that require strategic handling. Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., with over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, provides personalized guidance to individuals facing this challenging situation.

Understanding Arrest Warrants in Florida

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement officers to take a person into custody. In Florida, a warrant may be issued for various reasons, including failure to appear at a scheduled court hearing, alleged violations of probation, or suspicion of committing a crime. The warrant application process requires a showing of probable cause, meaning the judge must believe there is sufficient evidence that the person committed a criminal offense.

Arrest warrants come in several forms:

Bench Warrant: Commonly issued if a person fails to appear in court or comply with a court order.
Felony Warrants: More serious warrants for major crimes that often involve higher bond amounts and more complex legal consequences.
Extradition Warrants: Issued when a person is wanted in another jurisdiction but is found in Florida.
Outstanding Warrants: Warrants that remain active because the individual has not yet been taken into custody.

In Miami-Dade County, warrants are entered into the public record and often become visible during background checks. Law enforcement agencies can execute these warrants at any time, which means it’s important not to ignore the matter.

Immediate Steps to Take if You Have a Warrant

If you become aware of an outstanding arrest warrant, you should act quickly and deliberately. Here are the most important steps:

Verify the Legitimacy of the Warrant

Not every rumor or online notice is accurate. You can confirm whether a Miami-Dade County-issued warrant exists by checking with the clerk’s office or the warrants bureau. A criminal defense lawyer can also obtain more specific details, such as the nature of the charges, whether the warrant is for a felony or misdemeanor case, and the required bail amount.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

The most important step you can take is to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with Florida law and the local criminal justice system. A defense lawyer can assess the warrant, explain the charges, and advise you on whether to turn yourself in or pursue other legal options. Attorney Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., has decades of experience handling warrants in Miami and can craft a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Prepare for a Possible Bond Hearing

In many cases, your attorney can negotiate with the court to set a bond amount before you are taken into custody. This can minimize jail time and allow you to post bail quickly. Having a lawyer involved early often makes the difference between being unexpectedly arrested and appearing voluntarily for a bond hearing.

Understand Your Rights

Remember that under the Fourth Amendment, you have rights against unlawful searches and seizures. A valid warrant must include specific details about the alleged crime and be signed by a judge. Understanding these protections can prevent law enforcement officers from overstepping legal boundaries.

Consequences of Ignoring an Arrest Warrant

Choosing to ignore a warrant is one of the worst decisions a person can make. Arrest warrants issued in Miami-Dade County do not simply disappear over time. Avoiding the matter often leads to more severe consequences, such as:

Increased bail amounts or denial of bail altogether.
Additional criminal charges, such as failure to appear.
Arrest at inconvenient times, including at work or in front of family.
Negative impacts on background checks, employment opportunities, and community reputation.
Extended probation or harsher penalties if eventually convicted.

The longer an outstanding warrant remains unresolved, the more likely it is that law enforcement officers will locate the person and take them into custody without warning.

Legal Options for Resolving a Warrant

When a warrant has been issued, there are proactive steps you and your attorney can take to resolve the matter with the least disruption possible:

Turn Yourself In with Legal Representation: Voluntarily surrendering, with your attorney by your side, often results in more favorable treatment from the court.

Negotiate Bail and Release Terms: A skilled defense attorney can negotiate with the judge to secure reasonable bail amounts or pretrial release terms.
Challenge the Basis of the Warrant: If the warrant was issued without probable cause or contains legal flaws, your attorney may be able to challenge its validity.
Request a Court Hearing: Appearing in court with representation gives you the chance to address the warrant before law enforcement executes it unexpectedly.

How Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., Can Help

Attorney Jonathan B. Blecher has built a strong reputation in South Florida for handling criminal procedure issues, including arrest warrants. Here’s how his firm can assist if you are facing a Miami-Dade County-issued warrant:

Case Assessment: Reviewing the warrant application, court documents, and specific details to understand the charges and potential penalties.
Defense Strategy Development: Creating a personalized approach based on the nature of the alleged offense, whether it involves a felony warrant, a misdemeanor case, or a probation violation.
Representation in Court: Appearing with you in hearings, negotiating bail, and protecting your rights throughout the process.
Efficient Resolution: Using decades of experience to resolve warrants quickly, often preventing unnecessary time in custody.

With over three decades of experience in criminal defense across Miami-Dade County and jurisdictions nationwide, Attorney Blecher provides the insight and advocacy clients need when their freedom is at stake.

Protecting Your Rights and Future

If you suspect or know that an outstanding warrant has been issued in your name, do not delay. Taking immediate action can mean the difference between quietly resolving the matter and facing public arrest by a law enforcement agency. By contacting a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Miami, you place yourself in the best position to protect your rights, prepare for court, and move forward with your life.

A warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that should never be taken lightly. Whether it’s a bench warrant, felony warrant, or extradition warrant, your freedom and future are at risk if you fail to act. With guidance from a dedicated defense lawyer like Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., you can navigate the complexities of Florida law, avoid unnecessary jail time, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.

If you are facing a warrant in Miami or South Florida, contact Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., today to discuss your case and take the first step toward resolving the issue effectively.