What is an arrest warrant, and why is it important?

An arrest warrant or simply a “warrant” is a legal order that gives police and law enforcement the authority to arrest you for various reasons: for example, because you missed a criminal court date or are suspected of a crime. If you have an outstanding warrant this means that the police can take you into custody at any time – including during a routine traffic stop, at your home, or when you appear in court for another reason. If you do not take care of the warrant, you may constantly worry about being unexpectedly arrested or taken to jail. This is why it is very important to figure out if you have any outstanding warrants before getting your criminal record expunged (learn more about expungements starting on PG. 950) An outstanding warrant could also impact other areas of your life, such as your ability to get public benefits, public housing, or a passport.