🚨 Can I Be Arrested at the DMV if I Have a Warrant for My Arrest?
If you’re heading to the DMV in Fort Lauderdale and suspect there’s a warrant for your arrest, you might feel a pit in your stomach—and with good reason.
⚖️ So, can you be arrested at the DMV?
The answer: Yes, it’s possible—but it depends. Let’s break it down.
👮 Arrest Risk at the DMV: What You Should Know
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) does not routinely conduct warrant checks for every visitor. However, there are scenarios where a DMV staff member may discover an active warrant—especially if you’re there to renew a license, update personal info, or resolve a suspension.
- If your warrant is for a serious or violent offense, such as aggravated battery, drug trafficking, or failure to appear for a felony case, law enforcement is far more likely to be contacted.
- For non-violent misdemeanors or older warrants, arrest at the DMV is less common, but not impossible.
📌 Bottom line:The more serious the warrant, the higher the risk of arrest—even in routine settings like the DMV.
✅ Step 1: Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
At Michael White, P.A., I help clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida resolve active warrants before they lead to public embarrassment or unnecessary jail time.
A criminal defense lawyer can:
- Check if your warrant is active
- Determine if it’s local, state, or federal
- File a motion to recall or quash the warrant
- Arrange a voluntary surrender (often resulting in reduced penalties or avoiding jail entirely)
- Negotiate bond or pre-trial release
⚖️ Why Handle the Warrant Proactively?
Here’s what a proactive legal strategy can help you avoid:
- Being arrested in front of family, coworkers, or strangers
- Spending the weekend in jail while waiting to see a judge
- Losing the ability to drive, work, or travel freely
📞 If you act before law enforcement does, you retain control over the situation—and your future.
📅 Schedule a Consultation Today
If you suspect an active warrant for your arrest, don’t wait for it to surface at the worst possible moment—like during a DMV visit.
📍 Contact Michael White, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale to get ahead of the problem:
📞 Call now: (954) 710-0925
💬 Schedule a confidential consultation
Let’s resolve your warrant and protect your freedom before it’s too late.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really be arrested at the DMV in Florida if I have a warrant?
Yes. If DMV staff or systems flag your active warrant—especially for a felony or serious offense—they can notify law enforcement, and you may be arrested on the spot.
2. Will I be arrested at the DMV for a minor warrant or traffic offense?
It’s less likely. While it’s still possible, arrests at the DMV for non-violent misdemeanors or minor offenses are relatively rare. The seriousness of the warrant plays a major role.
3. Does the DMV in Florida check for warrants?
The DMV doesn’t always run a warrant check, but certain services (like reinstating a suspended license or resolving a hold) can trigger a deeper review of your record.
4. What should I do if I think I have a warrant before going to the DMV?
Speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. They can check for active warrants, help you resolve them, and guide you through the legal process—often avoiding an arrest entirely.
5. Can a lawyer help me avoid being arrested for a warrant in Florida?
Yes. A defense attorney can often arrange a court appearance, file a motion to quash the warrant, or coordinate a voluntary surrender to minimize or eliminate jail time.
