If an arrest warrant is issued for you in London, you must not ignore it. The safest approach is to immediately hire a local criminal defence lawyer to arrange your peaceful surrender to the London Police Service and prepare a strong plan for your bail hearing.
Discovering that the police have an active warrant for your arrest is a terrifying realization. Knowing that you could be pulled over and handcuffed in front of your family, coworkers, or neighbours causes immense anxiety. In London, Ontario, warrants do not expire, and trying to outrun the justice system only leads to harsher consequences and additional charges.
Taking control of the situation is the best way to protect your freedom. Whether the warrant is for missing a court date or for a newly laid indictable offence, turning yourself in under the guidance of a legal professional gives you the best chance of being released on bail quickly. Here is what you need to do.
Step-by-Step Process in London
Handling an arrest warrant requires a strategic and calm approach. Rushing down to the police station without a plan can result in spending unnecessary days in custody. 📋
Step 1: Confirm the Warrant Exists
Do not call the police directly to ask if you have a warrant, as they can trace your call. Instead, contact a criminal defence lawyer in London. A lawyer can quietly contact the London Police Service or the Crown Attorney at the Dundas Street courthouse to confirm the warrant and understand the exact charges against you.
Step 2: Hire a Law Firm and Plan for Bail
Once confirmed, your lawyer will help you prepare for a bail hearing. This involves identifying a suitable “surety” (a friend or family member willing to pledge money and supervise you) and gathering documents to prove you have strong ties to the London community. 👤
Step 3: Arrange a Safe Surrender
Your lawyer will contact the investigating officer and negotiate a time and place for you to turn yourself in. Usually, this happens early in the morning at the London Police headquarters (601 Dundas Street). Surrendering early increases your chances of seeing a judge and getting bail the exact same day.
Step 4: Attend the Bail Hearing
After you are processed by the police, you will be transported to the London courthouse for a bail hearing. Your lawyer will present your bail plan to the Crown Attorney. If the Crown agrees, you may be released on a consent release. If they oppose, the judge will decide.
Types of Arrest Warrants
Understanding the type of warrant helps determine the severity of your situation:
| Type of Warrant | Why It Is Issued |
|---|---|
| Bench Warrant | You failed to appear for a scheduled court date or fingerprinting appointment. |
| Arrest Warrant | Police have reasonable grounds to believe you committed a new criminal offence. |
| Surety Warrant | Your surety revoked their support, and you must return to custody to arrange new bail. |
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Addressing a warrant quickly will save you money by preventing additional “failure to appear” charges. Here are the expected costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):
- Retaining a Lawyer: An initial retainer fee to handle your surrender and bail hearing typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 CAD.
- Bail Money (Pledge): Your surety will usually need to pledge money to the court. This is a promise to pay, so actual cash is rarely deposited upfront unless you live out of province. Pledges often range from $500 to $5,000+ CAD.
- Future Defence Fees: Fighting the actual criminal charges will be a separate cost, generally starting around $2,000 for a minor summary conviction and climbing higher for serious matters.
How Long Does the Process Take?
If you plan your surrender with a lawyer, you can often be processed by the London Police Service in 2 to 4 hours. From there, you will wait in the holding cells until your bail hearing. If you surrender early on a weekday morning (e.g., 6:00 AM), you will likely have your bail hearing by the afternoon and be back home by dinnertime. If you are arrested randomly on a Friday night, you may spend the entire weekend in jail waiting to see a judge. ⏱
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just move to another province?
No. Outstanding warrants are logged in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. If you are stopped for a simple traffic ticket in Alberta, the police will see your London warrant and you could be transported back.
Will the police kick down my door?
For serious indictable offences, the police can and will execute the warrant at your home or workplace. For minor summary convictions, they may wait until you interact with them, but the risk of public arrest is always present.
Can my lawyer make the warrant go away?
In rare cases, if a bench warrant was issued by mistake, a lawyer can have it cancelled (rescinded) by a judge. However, in 95% of cases, the warrant must be executed by your physical arrest.
Should I bring anything when I surrender?
Bring your government ID and any essential medications. Do not bring your cell phone, jewelry, or large amounts of cash, as they will be seized while you are in the cells.
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