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Outstanding Warrant in Tampa? Here’s What to Do Now
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. | Updated January 19, 2026
An outstanding warrant in Tampa or Hillsborough County means you can be arrested at any moment—at work, during a traffic stop, or at home in front of your family. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. has helped clients throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties resolve warrants before arrest ever happens. Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato brings over 25 years of experience, including cases where early intervention convinced prosecutors to drop charges entirely. Acting now—before an arrest—gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
| Key Takeaway: Outstanding warrants do not expire. However, a skilled Tampa criminal defense attorney may be able to get the warrant recalled, negotiate with prosecutors before arrest, or even get charges dismissed without you ever stepping foot in jail. Early intervention is critical. |
How to Check for an Outstanding Warrant in Florida
If you suspect there might be a warrant for your arrest, Florida provides free online tools to check. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a statewide database, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office offers a local search.
| Florida Warrant Search Resources FDLE Warrant Search: https://pas.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/warrantsearch/index.jsf Hillsborough County Sheriff Search: https://teamhcso.com/Wanted/Search These databases are public and do not notify law enforcement when you search. However, they may not include sealed warrants or those issued very recently. |
Knowing there’s a warrant is only the first step. Consequently, what you do next matters far more than simply knowing the warrant exists. An experienced attorney can verify your status directly with law enforcement or the State Attorney’s Office and begin working on a resolution strategy immediately.
Why You Must Act on a Tampa Warrant Immediately
Every day you have an outstanding warrant increases your risk. Moreover, waiting gives prosecutors more time to build their case and eliminates opportunities for early resolution. Acting proactively changes the dynamic entirely.
| Critical Warning: Warrants do not expire. A warrant issued years ago—even decades ago—can still result in immediate arrest. You could be taken into custody during a routine traffic stop, at a TSA checkpoint, at work, or in front of your family at home. Furthermore, ignoring a warrant makes it significantly harder for an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. |
What a Tampa Defense Attorney Can Do Before Arrest
A skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to take several actions before you’re ever arrested:
- Contact the State Attorney’s Office: Request the warrant be recalled or quashed
- Present Exculpatory Evidence: Provide facts that could convince prosecutors to drop the charges
- Negotiate with Investigators: Share leads or information that clears your name
- Coordinate a Controlled Surrender: If surrender is required, arrange a process that minimizes custody time
- Prepare Your Defense: Begin gathering evidence and witness statements immediately
As a former police academy instructor in criminal procedure and courtroom testimony, Rocky Brancato understands how law enforcement operates from the inside. I know what information investigators need to hear, how filing decisions get made, and what evidence will move a prosecutor to reconsider. This insider knowledge makes early intervention far more effective.
Types of Warrants in Florida
Not all warrants are the same. Understanding what type of warrant you’re facing helps determine the best resolution strategy. Additionally, different warrant types may offer different opportunities for early resolution.
| Warrant Type | How It’s Issued | Resolution Options |
| Arrest Warrant | Judge finds probable cause for crime | Challenge probable cause, negotiate pre-arrest |
| Failure to Appear (FTA) | Missed court date | Often can be recalled with attorney appearance |
| Violation of Probation (VOP) | Alleged probation violation | Surrender hearing, violation defense |
| Bench Warrant | Judge-issued for contempt/non-compliance | Attorney motion to recall, compliance showing |
| Capias | Issued after indictment/information filed | Pre-arrest negotiation, bond arrangement |
Failure to Appear warrants, in particular, can often be resolved without jail time if handled proactively. Specifically, your attorney may be able to appear before the court, explain the circumstances, and have the warrant recalled—sometimes on the same day.
| Case Study: Four Years of Fear Ended With One Call A client lived in fear of arrest for over four years. The charge originated from a night out in Tampa while she was visiting from out of state. She thought she had no options and spent years looking over her shoulder. When she finally contacted our office, everything changed. We gathered the relevant facts, identified weaknesses in the State’s case, and reached out directly to a supervisor at the State Attorney’s Office. Based on our presentation, the State agreed to drop the warrant. Result: Warrant Dropped. Case Dismissed. |
What Happens If You’re Arrested on a Warrant
If you’re arrested before resolving the warrant, having an attorney already engaged can make a significant difference. Moreover, an attorney who already knows your case can act immediately—filing motions, appearing at first appearance, and working to secure release.
In Hillsborough County, individuals arrested on warrants are typically taken to Orient Road Jail or Falkenburg Road Jail. First appearance hearings in the 13th Judicial Circuit occur within 24 hours. Therefore, having counsel ready to appear at that hearing can mean the difference between immediate release and extended custody.
| Benefits of Engaging an Attorney Before Arrest When you have an attorney already working on your case, they can: appear at first appearance ready to argue for release, present mitigation evidence the court wouldn’t otherwise have, coordinate bond arrangements in advance, and begin defense preparation immediately rather than after release. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Outstanding Warrants in Tampa
Questions About Finding Warrants
You can check the FDLE Warrant Search database or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office warrant search. These tools show active warrants statewide and locally. However, they may not include sealed warrants or those issued very recently. Consequently, an attorney can verify your status directly with law enforcement or the State Attorney’s Office for complete information.
No. Searching the FDLE database does not notify law enforcement of your search. The database is public and designed for anyone to use. Nevertheless, if a warrant appears, officers can arrest you at any time—the warrant exists regardless of whether you search for it.
FDLE listings may include arrest warrants, violation of probation warrants, failure to appear warrants, and warrants related to felony or misdemeanor charges. Additionally, capias warrants issued after formal charging may appear. Bench warrants for contempt may appear in local databases rather than the statewide FDLE system.
Questions About Resolving Warrants
Yes. In many cases, an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney can contact the prosecutor, present favorable information, or negotiate terms that allow the warrant to be recalled or quashed. Furthermore, for Failure to Appear warrants, your attorney may be able to appear before the court and have the warrant recalled the same day.
Not always. Sometimes an attorney can resolve the warrant without a surrender—particularly for Failure to Appear warrants or cases where the State’s evidence is weak. However, when surrender is required, your attorney can coordinate a controlled process that often minimizes time in custody and allows for pre-arranged bond.
Ignoring a warrant increases your risk of unexpected arrest—at work, during a traffic stop, or at home. Moreover, it makes it significantly harder for an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. Prosecutors are less willing to make favorable offers when a defendant has been avoiding arrest. Taking proactive steps demonstrates responsibility and creates negotiating leverage.
Questions About Older Warrants
Yes. Warrants do not expire in Florida. Even warrants issued decades ago remain active and can result in immediate arrest at any time. Specifically, many people discover old warrants during routine traffic stops, TSA screening, or background checks for employment. The only way to eliminate the risk is to resolve the warrant legally.
It depends on the circumstances. Sometimes older warrants are easier to resolve because witnesses have become unavailable, evidence has been lost, or the assigned prosecutor has moved on. However, some cases become more difficult because memories have faded and gathering defensive evidence becomes harder. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation and advise on the best approach.
Don’t Live in Fear — Take Control Now
Whether your warrant is new or years old, every day you wait increases your risk. The clock is ticking on your opportunity to resolve this proactively. Take control before an arrest happens.
Contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato Today
Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation
620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602
Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties
25+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience | Former Chief Operations Officer, Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office | Former Police Academy Instructor
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