Discovering that there is a warrant for your arrest can cause panic. Whether it’s for missing a court date, unpaid tickets, or a new criminal allegation, ignoring the problem is the worst course of action. Warrants do not expire in Canada. If you have an active warrant in Alberta, the legal team at White & Jeet Law can help you resolve the situation.
Types of Arrest Warrants in Alberta
Understanding the type of warrant issued against you is crucial, as it dictates how you and your lawyer will proceed:- Bench Warrant (Failure to Appear in Court): This is one of the most common warrants. It is issued by a judge if you fail to appear for a scheduled court date. You will likely face a new charge for failing to appear in court.
- Warrant in the First Instance: This warrant is typically issued when police lay an Information (a formal charge) swearing they have reasonable grounds to believe you have committed an offence but cannot find you.
- Unendorsed Warrant: This means you cannot be released by the police officer who arrests you. You must be held for a bail hearing before a Justice of the Peace or a Judge.
- Endorsed Warrant: This warrant comes with pre-approved release conditions. The arresting officer can release you after arresting you and provide you with a Promise to Appear or Undertaking (i.e. list of conditions that you must follow while on bail).
The Risks of Ignoring a Warrant
Living with an active warrant means you can be arrested at any time—during a routine traffic stop, at border crossings, or even at your workplace. Being arrested unexpectedly puts you at a disadvantage for bail. The Crown Prosecutor will point out that you had to be “caught” rather than turning yourself in, which suggests you are a flight risk.How White & Jeet Law Can Help: Turning Yourself In
The most strategic move is to turn yourself in to the Police. Here is how White & Jeet Law assists clients in this scenario:- Information Gathering: We contact the police or the courthouse to determine the exact nature of the warrant (endorsed vs. unendorsed) as well as the underlying charges.
- Arranging Surrender: We can negotiate with the investigating officer to arrange a specific time and place for you to turn yourself in.
- Preparing for Bail (JIR): If the warrant is unendorsed, a Judicial Interim Release (bail) hearing will be required within 24 hours of your arrest. By planning ahead, we can prepare a bail plan, contact potential sureties, and be ready to argue for your release immediately.
