Mistakes to Avoid When You Learn You Have an Arrest Warrant in Minnesota
- Gad Law Offices
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Finding out there's a warrant for your arrest can feel paralyzing. But what you do next can make the difference between walking into court with your attorney—or getting dragged into custody in front of your family, coworkers, or kids.
As a Minnesota criminal defense attorney, I’ve helped hundreds of people resolve warrants. Here are the most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake #1: Ignoring It and Hoping It Goes Away
Warrants don’t expire. They don’t get dismissed because you forgot. And they’re not “on hold” just because you haven’t been arrested yet.
If you ignore a warrant, here’s what can happen:
You can be arrested at work, during a traffic stop, or even while traveling.
You’ll lose any chance at voluntarily resolving it on your own terms.
It may trigger additional charges (like bail jumping or failure to appear).
✅ What to do instead: Call a defense attorney immediately. We may be able to quash the warrant or arrange a court appearance without arrest.
❌ Mistake #2: Talking to Police Without a Lawyer
Some people call the police or try to "explain" their side. Don’t.
Police are trained to build cases—not clear them. And they’re legally allowed to lie to you. Even innocent statements can be used against you.
✅ What to do instead: Say one thing and one thing only:
"I want to speak to my lawyer."
❌ Mistake #3: Turning Yourself In Without a Lawyer or a Plan
Going to the jail or courthouse on your own might feel like the responsible thing to do—but doing it without a lawyer can backfire.
You could:
Spend hours (or days) in custody
Be denied bail or released under harsh conditions
Miss the opportunity to resolve the underlying charge
✅ What to do instead: Let an attorney coordinate your surrender (if needed), argue for release, and make sure you don’t walk into unnecessary jail time.
❌ Mistake #4: Trying to Handle It Yourself in Court
Even if you’re smart and well-spoken, self-representation is a gamble—especially when you're walking in with a warrant over your head.
The judge won’t give you a pass just because you showed up. And prosecutors won’t go easy on you because you're polite.
✅ What to do instead: Get an experienced defense lawyer who knows how to negotiate your release and attack the warrant at its source.
❌ Mistake #5: Assuming the Warrant Is No Big Deal
“I missed court because I never got the notice.”
“I paid that ticket last year.”
“It’s just a misunderstanding.”
All of these things might be true—and you could still be arrested. Minnesota law doesn’t require that you intended to miss court to issue a bench warrant.
✅ What to do instead: Take it seriously. If you have a valid excuse, an attorney can file a motion to "quash" the warrant and explain the circumstances of why you missed court. Because trust us, the consequences of doing nothing are often worse than the warrant itself.
Need Help Resolving a Warrant in Minnesota?
Finding out there’s a warrant for your arrest is stressful—but it’s not the end of the world. With the right legal help, it can be resolved quickly, safely, and in your favor.
We handle warrants daily, help people avoid arrest, and resolve criminal charges quickly and strategically. Call us today for a free consultation about your case.
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