Think You Have a Warrant in Hillsborough County? What to Do Next
If you think you have an arrest warrant in Hillsborough County, whether you live in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview or Temple Terrace, speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions or making a statement to police. An attorney can help verify the warrant, identify the issuing court and review whether a bond has been set.
Do not ignore a possible warrant, and do not treat an online search with no results as proof there isn’t one. The next steps depend on why the warrant was issued and what the court requires. An attorney can discuss how to address it, including whether a voluntary surrender can be arranged. Arranging a surrender does not guarantee release from custody.
Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC represents people facing criminal charges in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free initial consultation.
What Steps Should I Take if I Think I Have a Warrant?
- Speak with a criminal defense attorney. Before answering police questions or making a statement, get advice about your situation.
- Verify the warrant. An attorney can help identify the issuing court, the reason for the warrant and whether a bond has been set. An online search alone may not give you a complete answer.
- Gather your paperwork. Keep court notices, bond documents, probation paperwork and messages about the case. Preserve anything that may be evidence.
- Make a plan to address it. Discuss whether a court hearing, a request to recall the warrant or an arranged surrender may be appropriate. None of these guarantees that you will avoid custody.
- Prepare for practical needs. Discuss medications, child care, work obligations and transportation with your attorney before a planned surrender.
- Follow all existing court orders. Release conditions, probation requirements and no-contact orders remain binding. Violating a court order can lead to a new arrest, additional charges and loss of bond. Speak with your attorney before contacting anyone covered by a no-contact order.
Can I Check Online for a Hillsborough County Warrant?
Official warrant information and court records can be a starting point, but they may not show the complete or current picture. The Hillsborough County Clerk cautions that warrant information may not always be current and that a listed warrant may no longer be active. A search showing no results also does not prove that you have no warrant.
An attorney can help verify the information with the appropriate court or agency and determine what steps may be available. Tell your attorney about any missed court dates, pending cases or probation matters, including those in another county or state.
Does the Type of Warrant Matter?
Yes. Why the warrant was issued affects how it may be addressed.
- An arrest warrant authorizes officers to take a person into custody. An attorney can review the charge, the issuing court and any bond information.
- A warrant for missing court may require addressing the missed appearance with the judge. Do not assume that scheduling another court date cancels the warrant.
- A probation-violation warrant involves an allegation that a probation condition was violated. Release may work differently from a regular arrest, so do not assume you can immediately post bond. See violation of probation in Hillsborough County.
- A search warrant authorizes a particular search rather than, by itself, an arrest. If officers arrive with one, do not interfere. Speak with an attorney before answering questions, making a statement or consenting to an additional search. See search warrants in Tampa.
Give your attorney any paperwork you have. You do not need to identify the type of warrant yourself before calling.
Can an Attorney Help Me Address a Warrant Before I Am Arrested?
An attorney can review the warrant and discuss what options may be available. Depending on the circumstances, that may include asking the court to recall a warrant, addressing a missed court appearance, requesting a bond hearing or coordinating a voluntary surrender.
Calling an attorney does not cancel a warrant or prevent officers from making an arrest. Only the appropriate court can decide whether to recall the warrant or change conditions of release. Do not assume that a pending request or a scheduled hearing means the warrant is no longer active.
If surrender is necessary, your attorney can help you prepare for the process and discuss what may happen after you are taken into custody. Release is not guaranteed, even when a surrender has been arranged in advance. For what typically follows an arrest here, see first appearance in Hillsborough County and bond and bail in Hillsborough County.
Got a Call Saying You Have a Warrant?
Beware of warrant scams. If someone contacts you claiming to be law enforcement and says you have a warrant, call an attorney. An attorney can help verify whether a warrant exists and, if it does, explain the options that may be available.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has said it will never call demanding payment to avoid arrest and does not handle warrants over the phone. If a caller tells you to stay on the line while you go to a bank or ATM, hang up.
What if the Warrant Is From Pinellas, Pasco or Another County?
A warrant issued in another county may still lead to an arrest in Hillsborough County, and checking Hillsborough records will not necessarily show it. Tell your attorney about cases or missed court dates anywhere in Florida or another state. An attorney can help identify the issuing court and discuss how to address the warrant, including any issues involving transportation to another county or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait to see whether anyone comes for me?
Speak with an attorney rather than ignoring a possible warrant. An unexpected arrest can leave you without time to prepare for child care, work obligations or other practical needs.
Will I go to jail if I turn myself in?
You should be prepared to be taken into custody and booked. Whether and when you are released depends on the warrant, the charge, any bond already set and what the court decides. Arranging a surrender does not guarantee release.
Should I call the police to explain my side?
Speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions or making a statement, even if you believe there has been a mistake.
What if someone demands money to clear a warrant?
Do not send money based on a caller’s claim. Call an attorney to help verify whether a warrant exists. Demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer to avoid arrest are warning signs of a scam.
Think You Have a Warrant in Hillsborough County? Call Attorney Ron Frey First.
Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free initial consultation with The Frey Law Firm, LLC, or use our contact form.
This page provides general information, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Speak with an attorney about your circumstances rather than relying on the internet or AI for answers.