Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Arrest Warrant

How is an arrest warrant served? I'm doing research and I can't fathom how the police would have enough resources to go to every home or place of work to arrest someone whether they're in Los Angeles County or Orange County!

I've looked at the LAPD web site and by the looks of thinks it looks like they have arrested over 35,000 folks so far this year for numerous crimes!

I asked one police officer that if an arrest warrant was issued for a suspect in the San Fernando Valley how would that be served if the suspect now resides in San Diego county? Would an officer or detective actually drive to the suspects new address or work address to arrest him/her? He told me not neccesarily!(only on serious crimes like murder or kidnapping or rape) A warrant can be served when the suspect gets a ticket or if any law enforcement officer runs a background check on a vehicle they're behind in traffic or on the freeway.

I'd like to get the lawyer's experiences on this subject!

Thanks!!


Asked on 7/27/04, 9:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Arrest Warrant

Typical ways arrest warrants get served, depending on law enforcement priorities, the severity of the crime and the cost of returning your ass to the arresting jurisdiction:

1. Cops kick down your door at 5:00 AM and

parade you around in handcuffs in front of

your spouse, your kids, the neighbors, and

possibly the TV viewing audience of COPS.

2. You get pulled over for a speeding ticket,

and all of a sudden you are asked to get out

of the car and lie face down on the pavement.

3. You are in court for some unrelated reason

and all of a sudden you get yanked out of

your chair and ordered to assume the

position. (This is why no lawyer ever

assumes he or she will be allowed to leave

the courtroom by the front door.)

4. You get a phone call from the cops stating

there is an arrest warrant and you can

turn yourself in or else face #1, above.

5. They shoot you dead during #1 or #2 above.

There are investigations and lawsuits, and

years later the police are exonerated

because they thought the glint of light

on your gold teeth looked like a gun.

Read more
Answered on 7/28/04, 12:12 am


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