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There Is a Warrant Out For My Arrest. What Do I Do?

Dealing with an Arrest Warrant in Washington

On March 3, 2023, a warrant was issued for a Tacoma woman who was simply refusing treatment for tuberculosis. The woman was to be arrested and taken to a specially designated facility at the Pierce County Jail, where she would be tested, isolated, and treated for the illness. Dealing with an Arrest Warrant in Washington can be an unnerving and strenuous experience, however, it’s crucial to remain calm and take immediate action in similar situations as it will help protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome. She made an incredibly important decision and hired an attorney who would attempt to defend against the warrant, likely increasing her odds of getting real help.

Having an outstanding warrant means that you can be placed under arrest by police at any moment in time. Discovering that there is a warrant out for your arrest can be an unnerving and strenuous experience, however, it’s crucial to remain calm and take immediate action in similar situations as it will help protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome. Warrants will not go away on their own, so hiring an experienced attorney is an important step that you can take, as defending against an arrest warrant in the state of Washington requires a strategic approach and careful navigation of the legal system. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has a highly experienced and knowledgeable team of attorneys that will assist you in navigating this difficult circumstance. Our lawyers will help analyze your situation, assess the warrant’s validity, and guide you through the entire legal process, while ensuring that your rights and freedoms are protected.

What Are the Steps I Can Take while Dealing with an Arrest Warrant in Washington?

Gather Information: When you have a warrant out for your arrest, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible about the charges against you. Obtain a copy of the warrant to understand the specific allegations and any accompanying documents. Our office can usually locate and obtain this information for you. This information will enable your attorney to evaluate the case thoroughly and provide you with informed advice.

Know Your Rights: Knowing your constitutional rights such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney is crucial when dealing with a warrant for your arrest. Exercising these rights and refraining from speaking to law enforcement officials without legal counsel will only improve your case as everything you say will be used against you. Your attorney will help guide you through speaking to law enforcement officials and will be there to protect your rights.

Options: If you haven’t been arrested on the warrant yet, an attorney may be able to get the prosecutor to withdraw the warrant pending further investigation, schedule a court hearing to have it quashed which can avoid having to spend the night in jail and post bail. In more serious cases where an arrest is imminent, an attorney can arrange a surrender to the police at the jail where we can invoke your rights, and argue for release on a lower bail or no bail the next day based on your cooperation and willingness to not only turn yourself in, but to return to court to fight your charges.

Cooperate with Your Attorney: Your attorney will be your most valuable ally throughout the legal process. Cooperate fully with them and provide all necessary information regarding your case. Be honest and transparent about the circumstances surrounding the charges against you. Your attorney will review the warrant to determine if any legal issues exist that could potentially lead to its invalidation. For example, they might investigate whether there were any errors or omissions in the warrant application or if there were violations of your constitutional rights during its issuance which might lead to your warrant being quashed or invalidated. In cases of older warrants, the warrant may not be valid, or if expired, the statute of limitations may have run on the original charges.

Prepare for Court: As your case progresses, your attorney will work with you to prepare a solid defense. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and explore legal avenues to challenge the warrant issued against you. Take an active role in your defense, following your attorney’s guidance and providing them with all the information they need.

What Can We Do For You?

Finding out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest is a serious matter. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can navigate the situation effectively while protecting your rights and interests. Remember to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney, gather information, and cooperate fully with legal counsel. The attorneys at the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer will help you understand if your warrant can be quashed, along with any additional information such as the bail process, and preparing for court. Taking proactive steps, such as hiring an attorney, can help you strive for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer today at (360) 334-6277 if you have any questions or concerns and we will be happy to assist you in your legal needs. 

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Types of Protection Orders in the State of Washington

Protection Orders in Washington

In the State of Washington, various types of Protection Orders exist to safeguard individuals and discourage certain behaviors directed towards them. These orders serve as legal measures to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals facing different forms of threats or harassment. Among the commonly encountered types are: (1) Stalking Protection Order, (2) Harassment Protection Order, (3) Domestic Violence Protection Order, (4) Sexual Assault Protection Order, and (5) Vulnerable Adult Protection Order. Understanding the difference between these types of protection orders allows individuals to protect themselves in various ways depending on the specific circumstance. Equally important is being well-informed about these orders, as it helps individuals comprehend the potential consequences associated with violating a Protection Order.

What is a Protection Order?

A Protection Order, issued by a judge, is a legal document designed to safeguard individuals from harm by another person. When a Protection Order is in effect, the restrained individual is prohibited from contacting or being in close proximity to the protected individual, under penalty of potential consequences. In the State of Washington, there are several distinct types of Protection Orders, each tailored to address specific circumstances and provide appropriate measures of protection.

Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO): Among the prevalent types of Protection Orders, the Domestic Violence Protection Order stands as one of the most common. It is primarily intended to shield individuals from physical abuse, threats of imminent harm, or stalking, and is typically sought against immediate family members, intimate partners, or roommates. A Domestic Violence Protection Order can be requested on a temporary basis, lasting up to one year, and is renewable. In certain circumstances, it can also be pursued as a permanent measure for long-term protection.

Stalking Protection Order: A Stalking Protection Order is specifically crafted to safeguard individuals from individuals engaging in stalking behavior, regardless of their familial or household relationship. In accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, stalking is defined as the intentional and repetitive act of harassing or following another person, thereby causing the victim to experience fear for their personal safety or the safety of their property. This type of Protection Order can be obtained on a temporary basis, valid for up to one year, or can be sought as a permanent measure to provide long-term protection.

Harassment Protection Order: A Harassment Protection Order is specifically designed to provide protection from individuals engaging in unlawful behavior or harassment towards another individual. Harassment is defined as a course of conduct which seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or is detrimental to such person, and which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. This type of order aims to prevent and address acts of harassment, ensuring the safety and well-being of the victim. An Anti-Harassment Protection Order can be obtained as a temporary measure, valid for up to one year, or it can be pursued as a permanent order to offer ongoing protection.

Sexual Assault Protection Order(SAPO): A Sexual Assault Protection Order is specifically designed to provide protection against nonconsensual intercourse or other forms of unwanted sexual conduct perpetrated by individuals who are not family or household members. This type of protection order serves to safeguard victims and ensure their safety in the face of sexual assault. It can be requested as a temporary order, valid for up to one year, or pursued as a permanent order to provide ongoing and long-term protection.

Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO): A Vulnerable Adult Protection Order is specifically designed to safeguard individuals who are considered vulnerable adults from threats, acts of abandonment, neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation. In the state of Washington, a “vulnerable adult” refers to an adult with developmental disabilities, an adult residing in a facility or receiving in-home care, or an adult aged 60 or above who is unable to independently care for themselves. While Protection Orders typically prohibit all forms of contact, a Vulnerable Adult Protection Order may allow for limited contact while imposing restrictions on access to the vulnerable adult’s financial resources. The primary objective of this order is to ensure the well-being and protection of vulnerable adults in situations where they may be at risk.

What can we do for you?

Petitioning for a Protection Order can be a complex and intricate process that may pose challenges when undertaken alone. It entails navigating legal paperwork, articulating compelling justifications, and presenting arguments for the requested Protection Order. To streamline this process and alleviate the burden, enlisting the assistance of a skilled lawyer can prove invaluable. By engaging the services of experienced attorneys, such as those at the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, individuals can benefit from the expertise and guidance necessary to effectively pursue and secure their desired Protection Order. The knowledgeable legal professionals at the firm will diligently gather the required information, ensuring a comprehensive and compelling case for the Protection Order, ultimately increasing the chances of obtaining approval from the presiding judge.

Call the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer at (360) 334-6277 today and schedule a consultation to see what we can do for you.

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Is Contested or Uncontested Divorce Right For Me?

Divorce in Washington

Uncontested Divorce

Navigating the process of Divorce in Washington is not easy, and the US has the third highest divorce rate in the world. Due to the complex nature of divorces, the procedure is long, costly, and emotionally taxing. These circumstances frequently lead to lingering resentment between parties, which can make it even harder to reach a swift and positive resolution. It may be extremely expensive and inefficient for both parties to battle against one another unnecessarily during a contested divorce. Filing for an uncontested divorce is one way to handle your divorce more efficiently. If this is the choice you make and is best suited to your situation, our experienced attorneys would be pleased to work with you. We hope to alleviate the stress that comes with divorce and look forward to consulting with you.

Cons of a contested divorce

A contested divorce may take staggering financial expenditures, combined with mental and emotional exhaustion. Between attorney fees, splitting of assets and retirement accounts, and factoring in child and spousal support, a contested divorce can typically cost tens of thousands of dollars, involve more hearings, time commitments, and result in greater hostility between the parties. In the process of settling you may also lose some of your bargaining power over the divorce process due to the strenuous efforts to fight against the other party rather than work with them. Due to the nature of family law, the more hostile and contested a divorce is will result in uncertainty for how the case will resolve. This is due to inherent bias in the court system, emotions taking hold of the parties, and a wide variety of issues that are sometimes unforeseeable. Additionally, it may be extremely inconvenient for you if a judge’s ruling results in a negative impact on your daily life. Ultimately, you could feel that you have little influence over how your case will resolve. In an unpredictable environment, it is often difficult to predict a contested divorce’s outcome, so knowing all your options is important.

Pro of a contested Divorce in Washington

In many cases there may be a valid reason to pursue a contested divorce. Some concerns that may prompt a contested divorce include protecting the interests of your children, hidden assets, and other factors like poor treatment within the marriage that may negatively affect a certain party. In filing a contested divorce a judge may rule in your favor to grant certain requests that otherwise may have not been settled in an uncontested divorce. However, filing a contested divorce also poses many risks and no guarantee of success which can lead to a win some-lose some situation.

Cons of an uncontested divorce

While an uncontested divorce may be less difficult, there are factors to consider before making that decision. If there has been a pattern of emotional abuse, domestic violence, or abuse of power in the marriage, you should retain the services of a lawyer in this instance to ensure that the divorce is as fair as possible and to give you safety between you and the other party. Further, uncontested divorces generally don’t require both parties to give and take equitably. It is also almost ever allowed or a good idea to pursue if you have children.

Pros of an uncontested divorce

Uncontested divorces are far less time and money-consuming than contested divorces. While some stress may be alleviated due to the shortened process of an uncontested divorce, it can still be emotionally taxing and difficult to go through. To help you navigate these emotions and negotiate with the opposing side for the best result, our attorneys will support you and be there for you at every step of the journey. Since you are making the decisions and working directly with the other party, you may have greater control over the outcome when the decision is not left to a third party. If you chose to go about this course of action or need legal advice on your particular circumstance, the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer would be happy to discuss your options.

As always you can contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer to get more information. One of our knowledgeable attorneys will gladly answer any questions you may have.