What to Do When There's a Warrant for Your Arrest in Connecticut

Finding out — or even just suspecting — that there may be a warrant for your arrest in Connecticut is terrifying. I get calls about this constantly. People want to know:

The reality is that in Connecticut, there’s no master online database for all warrants. The only two types you can see publicly on the Judicial Branch website are:

• Failure to Appear (FTA) warrants
• Violation of Probation (VOP) warrants

If your situation doesn’t fall into one of those categories, you’re not going to see it online. Everything else — whether it’s a new criminal charge, a violation of release conditions, or a capias — can only be confirmed through the police.

Some police departments will tell you over the phone if you have a warrant, while others won’t. That’s why the safest solution is to have your lawyer make the call discreetly, confirm the situation, and then arrange a controlled surrender at the police department.

If your bond is $50,000 or less, you have two options:

• Post 7% of the bond in cash yourself. As long as you appear at all your court dates, that money will be refunded at the end of the case.
• If you don’t have the full 7% in cash, you can work with a bail bondsman, who can finance the bond and often set up a payment plan.

If your bond is more than $50,000, Connecticut law requires that you use a licensed bail bondsman. In that case, I help coordinate with the bondsman in advance, complete the paperwork, and make sure everything is in place so you can walk into the police station and walk right back out.

It helps to understand how warrants are tracked in Connecticut. There are three main systems:

• COLLECT – Connecticut’s statewide law enforcement database. If a warrant is entered here, every officer in the state will see it.
• PRAWN (Paperless Re-Arrest Warrant Network) – Used for FTAs and probation violations. These appear on the Judicial Branch website.
• NCIC (National Crime Information Center) – The FBI’s database. Once a warrant is in NCIC, it’s visible nationwide. If you’re stopped in another state, the Connecticut warrant will show up immediately.

Not every warrant follows you everywhere.

• For minor cases (misdemeanors and low-level felonies), Connecticut often won’t extradite you from another state because of the cost. But the warrant still exists and will cause problems the moment you’re back in Connecticut.
• For serious felonies (Class A/B felonies, violent crimes, gun cases), warrants are almost always entered into NCIC and enforceable nationwide.
• Domestic violence cases are often treated as extraditable, even when not the most serious felonies.

Important: If you’re arrested out of state, you may sit in a county jail for 30+ days while extradition plays out. By contrast, if you surrender voluntarily in Connecticut, I can usually get you in front of a judge right away. Judges do notice the difference.

• Warrants do not expire.
• Being arrested at work, home, or during travel is disruptive and embarrassing.
• Waiting reduces your options and leverage in court.

Addressing the issue head-on is always better than hoping it goes away.

When someone calls me about a possible warrant, here’s what I do:

1. Confirm directly with police or prosecutors — discreetly, so you’re not arrested mid-conversation.
2. If there is a warrant, I arrange a quiet, controlled surrender so there are no surprises at work or home.
3. Walk with you into court, where I argue for the lowest possible bond or release on a promise to appear.

That first appearance is critical. Coming in voluntarily with counsel sets the right tone and gives you the best chance at release.

Only FTA and VOP warrants are available on the Judicial Branch website.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the department.

No. They remain active until you’re arrested or surrender.

Yes — and this is the safest way.

If there’s a warrant, you’ll be taken into custody immediately.

You could sit in jail for 30+ days while Connecticut arranges extradition.

Yes. Connecticut often extradites on domestic violence cases even if the charges are not the most serious felonies.

It’s risky. A routine stop anywhere in the U.S. can land you in custody if your warrant is in NCIC.

Yes. Judges see it as a sign of responsibility and may set a lower bond.

Even minor warrants can cause embarrassment if you’re arrested in public. Voluntary surrender lets your lawyer control the process.

If you think there may be a warrant out for your arrest in Connecticut, don’t ignore it and don’t walk into the police station alone. Warrants don’t vanish, and waiting almost always makes things worse.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 or reach out through my contact page.