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What to do if…
you think there is an active warrant in your name

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Pause and verify it before you walk into a police station or court. Where you safely can, speak to a criminal defence solicitor first so you can check what is real and plan the safest next step.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “test it” by turning up at a police station or court without advice if you can avoid it; you may be arrested there.
  • Do not ignore it and hope it disappears; if it is real, ignoring it can reduce your options and increase the chance of being stopped unexpectedly.
  • Do not make avoidable travel plans or put yourself somewhere you may be checked while you are still verifying what is happening.
  • Do not pay anyone who calls, texts, or emails saying you must pay “to clear a warrant”, especially by gift cards, bank transfer, crypto, or courier.
  • Do not post about it on social media or message lots of people for “intel”; it can create confusion and records you did not intend.
  • Do not carry anything illegal, someone else’s ID, or anything that could turn a routine stop into a separate problem.

What to do now

  1. Get to a calm, safe pause and write down the basics.
    Note who told you, what exactly they said, any reference numbers, dates, names, addresses, and which police service, force, or court it might relate to. Save screenshots, letters, emails, or voicemails.

  2. Check whether the contact itself may be a scam.
    If the information came by phone, text, email, or social media, do not call back using the number in that message. Real police and courts do not ask for gift cards, crypto, courier collection, or a panic payment to stop an arrest.

  3. Contact a criminal defence solicitor before attending anywhere in person, where you safely can.
    Say: “I have been told there may be an outstanding warrant in my name. I need help checking whether it is real and what the safest next step is.” Ask whether they can make the enquiry for you or advise you before you contact the police or court.

  4. If you cannot reach a solicitor and you need to make an enquiry, use an official phone or online route first.
    For police, use 101 or your local force’s official online contact route for a non-emergency enquiry. Ask how to check the situation safely; avoid giving a detailed account of the alleged case before legal advice.

  5. If you think it is court-related, contact the likely court office by official contact details rather than walking in.

    • In England and Wales, use the official court and tribunal finder to get the correct court contact details.
    • In Scotland, use the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service court finder.
    • In Northern Ireland, use the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service contact information. Ask what they can confirm by phone or email and whether a solicitor can make the enquiry for you.

  6. If you are arrested, detained, or already at a police station, ask for legal advice immediately.
    Say: “I want legal advice before any interview or detailed questions.” Ask for your own solicitor or the duty solicitor. Ask what information you are required to give, and ask to speak to a solicitor before detailed questions or any interview.

  7. Prepare for the possibility of being asked to attend.
    Keep your phone charged, keep photo ID and any court or police paperwork together, and make a short list of urgent medication, childcare, work, or caring responsibilities that a solicitor may need to mention.

  8. Tell one trusted person only what they need to know.
    Ask them to keep their phone on, know where your ID and medication are, and avoid posting or contacting police or courts for you unless your solicitor advises it.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether to plead, fight the case, make a statement, or explain everything today.
  • You do not need to tell friends, family, an employer, or social media what is happening unless there is an immediate practical reason.
  • You do not need to gather every possible piece of evidence right now; first confirm whether there is a warrant, what type it is, and which court or police service is involved.

Important reassurance

A rumour about a warrant can feel frightening, and second-hand information is often incomplete or wrong. Slowing down, using official contact details, and getting solicitor advice can prevent one rushed step from making the situation harder.

Scope note

These are first steps only, to help you verify the situation and avoid common panic mistakes. Once you know whether a warrant exists and what it relates to, a solicitor can advise on the right next step for your specific situation.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice or professional advice. Processes vary across England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and by the type of warrant, court, and case. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is happening now, call 999.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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