Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys | April 13, 2026 | New York Law
If you find out there is a warrant connected to your name, case, or home, it’s crucial to understand what kind of warrant has been issued and what it empowers law enforcement to do. Each type of warrant serves a specific legal purpose and grants law enforcement or others with particular power.
This blog discusses common types of warrants in New York, what you should know about each kind, and how to navigate the complex legal procedures involved with any warrant.
Arrest Warrant
An arrest warrant grants law enforcement the authority to take you into custody. This usually happens after a law enforcement officer or prosecutor presents evidence to a judge showing probable cause that you committed a crime.
Arrest warrants can involve anything from minor misdemeanors to severe felonies. Police can use an arrest warrant to take you from your home, work, or another public place.
Bench Warrant
A bench warrant differs from an arrest warrant in that it is issued by a judge when a person fails to appear in court as scheduled or does not follow court orders. Missing a court date for a criminal defense case or ignoring a subpoena is a common reason for a bench warrant.
Law enforcement can arrest you based on a bench warrant at almost any time, and it remains active until the underlying issue is resolved with the court.
Search Warrant
A search warrant allows police to search specific locations, such as a residence, vehicle, or business, in order to look for evidence linked to a crime. A judge must sign a search warrant based on probable cause, and the warrant must describe exactly which places police can search and what items or evidence they can seize.
Under New York Law, police in Orange County must knock and announce their presence before executing a search warrant unless doing so would jeopardize an investigation or the safety of officers.
Other Types of Warrants
Several other types of warrants exist in New York that address more specialized allegations or situations. Some examples include:
Child Support or Family Court Warrants
These warrants are issued by family court judges, usually when someone misses required support payments or refuses to show up for family court hearings. You can face arrest and legal penalties until obligations are met or fines are paid.
Material Witness Warrants
The court can order a person’s detention to guarantee their testimony when it is critical to criminal or grand jury proceedings, and there is concern that the witness won’t appear voluntarily.
Extradition or Fugitive-Related Warrants
Extradition warrants are for individuals wanted in other states or jurisdictions. New York police will detain the person so another state can request their transfer.
Violation or Probation-Related Warrants
When someone violates the terms of their parole, probation, or conditional release, a court or supervising officer may issue a warrant for their arrest, leading to detention or new charges that may lengthen or restart a period of supervision.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have an Active Warrant?
If you think there is a warrant out either for your arrest or to search you or your home/property, there are some important steps you should take.
Do Not Ignore It – It Won’t Go Away
Warrants will not just disappear if you avoid them. Ignoring a warrant nearly always leads to arrest at an inconvenient or even embarrassing time, added penalties, and new complications in your legal matter. Even if your warrant is decades old, it still exists.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If officers contact you about any warrant, you should request to speak to an attorney first and, most importantly, decline to talk about any facts. Anything you say likely can be used as evidence.
An experienced New York criminal defense lawyer can confirm the type of warrant you’re facing and help you deal with law enforcement officials. They can also help you address the problem that triggered the warrant in the first place.
Contact the Middletown Criminal Defense Attorneys at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
Dealing with a warrant in New York can be stressful, especially if you are unsure what type of warrant has been issued or what steps to take next. Acting quickly can help you avoid additional penalties and resolve the situation more efficiently.
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you understand your options, communicate with the court on your behalf, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case. For more information, contact our experienced Middletown criminal defense lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We conveniently serve in 3 locations in New York, including Middletown, Newburgh, and Kingston.
We proudly serve Orange County, Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345