Warrant Defense in St. Augustine

Get Clear Guidance Before Addressing an Outstanding Warrant

Our criminal defense attorneys represent people facing arrest warrants, bench warrants, missed court dates, and related bond concerns. Canan Law can examine the warrant and underlying case, explain the available options, and represent clients at bond hearings.

Our team includes former state prosecutors who understand how criminal allegations move through the courts. Patrick Canan is a former chief prosecutor of St. Johns County, and Daniel Hilbert is board-certified in criminal defense by The Florida Bar. We’ve served St. Augustine and the surrounding region for more than three decades.

Call (904) 849-2266 to speak with us about an outstanding warrant, upcoming hearing, or other urgent court obligation.

Types of Warrants in St. Johns County

Different warrants authorize different actions. An arrest warrant allows law enforcement to arrest a person after a judge or magistrate finds probable cause: sufficient facts to support a reasonable belief that an offense occurred and the named person committed it.

Common warrant-related terms include:

• Arrest warrant: Judicial authorization to take the named person into custody.
• Bench warrant: A warrant commonly issued after a failure to appear or noncompliance with a court order.
• Search warrant: Judicial authorization to search identified property or places for specified evidence.

Checking for an Active Warrant

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office maintains an active-warrants lookup and a Warrants Unit for inquiries. However, a public-record search can’t definitively establish that no warrant exists. Florida law may exempt active criminal investigative and intelligence information from public disclosure, generally until the investigation or warrant is no longer active.

We can assess the available warrant information, pending allegations, and court status before a client decides how to respond. The appropriate course may depend on the charge, prior release terms, and procedural history.

What to Expect After an Arrest or Planned Surrender

Addressing an active warrant may involve an arrest or planned surrender, followed by court proceedings concerning release. The process and available options depend on the warrant, alleged offense, criminal history, and prior compliance with court orders.

Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.131 governs pretrial release. It generally presumes release on nonmonetary conditions unless the charged offense or circumstances justify different terms. A judge may consider personal recognizance, an unsecured appearance bond, nonmonetary conditions, or a surety or cash bond.

No release condition is automatic. We handle bond hearings and can present arguments based on the facts and procedural posture of the case. In preparing criminal defense strategies, our attorneys draw on more than 85 years of combined practice experience and experience from more than 250 jury trials.

Bench Warrants, Missed Court Dates & Probation Issues

A missed court appearance or alleged probation violation can create immediate bench-warrant concerns. Prompt review can clarify why the warrant was issued, whether bond was forfeited, and what proceedings may follow. A warrant recall is a court order withdrawing an active warrant, and it depends on judicial action and the specific circumstances.

Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.131(d) imposes a particular restriction after a bond forfeiture. If a person willfully and knowingly fails to appear, breaches a bond, and is later arrested following forfeiture, that person can’t receive a recognizance bond or a bond below $2,000 or twice the original bond amount, whichever is greater. The rule applies only when its stated conditions are met.

DUI Deadlines & Hearings

In driving under the influence matters, we help clients track deadlines and hearings. Missing a deadline or required appearance can lead to additional problems, including a warrant or longer driver’s license suspension. Legal advice can help a client distinguish the criminal case from separate license-related obligations.

Older & Out-of-State Warrants

Florida warrants generally remain active until the person is arrested, the court recalls or quashes the warrant, or the underlying case is resolved. The passage of time alone doesn’t necessarily eliminate a warrant. A possible warrant from another jurisdiction requires confirmation of the originating court, its current status, and the procedures that apply there.

Discuss a Warrant with Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

We serve clients facing warrant-related criminal defense matters in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Our team-based approach allows us to examine the allegation, court history, and available records before developing a response tailored to the situation.

Contacting us before taking action gives you an opportunity to understand the legal and practical issues involved. You can use our contact form to request guidance about your next step.

Call (904) 849-2266 to discuss a warrant, bond hearing, missed appearance, or related criminal court obligation with our team.