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877-Ben-Hall 
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Serving all of Michigan
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION 
877-Ben-Hall
877-Ben-Hall 877-Ben-Hall 517-798-5801 877-Ben-Hall Awards & Recognition
Our East Lansing criminal defense lawyer at Ben Hall Law knows several types of warrants that Michigan law enforcement can act upon.
They include arrest warrants, bench warrants, search warrants, search and seizure warrants, and no-knock warrants, to name a few. While nearly all are executed upon their issuance, arrest and bench warrants are not always as successful as the others on the first attempt. In both cases, if the individual cannot be immediately found to answer for the warrant, how long is it valid? We have answers.
An arrest warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. The warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest the individual and bring them into custody. Arrest warrants are typically used when someone is suspected of committing a crime but has not yet been detained.
A judge issues a bench warrant, usually in response to a person failing to appear in court as required or violating a court order. These warrants are common in missed court dates, unpaid fines, or probation violations. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest the individual and bring them before the court.
In Michigan, arrest warrants and bench warrants generally do not expire.
Once issued, they remain active until the individual is apprehended, appears in court, or the court takes action to recall or quash the warrant.
Arrest warrants remain in effect until the person is arrested or the court recalls the warrant. There is no automatic expiration; the warrant can stay active indefinitely, especially for more severe crimes. However, in some cases, such as minor offenses, the prosecutor or court may dismiss the warrant after a significant amount of time.
Like arrest warrants, bench warrants do not expire and remain active until the person resolves the issue, either by voluntarily appearing in court or being taken into custody. The judge may recall the warrant, but it remains valid indefinitely.
Since warrants in Michigan don’t expire automatically, it’s essential to address them as soon as possible to avoid potential legal consequences, including arrest or additional penalties.
Our dedicated Michigan criminal defense attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the warrant, advise you on the best way to address it, and may be able to negotiate with the court for a favorable outcome, such as recalling the warrant or arranging for voluntary surrender to avoid arrest. Additionally, we can help prevent further charges or penalties, ensuring you handle the situation in the least disruptive way possible.
Contact Ben Hall Law today to discuss your legal circumstances with a trusted professional who believes in you and your case by calling (877)-236-4255 or contacting us online. Your fight is our fight. Let’s get started.