The Miami Herald reported on December 7 that a 28-year-old man was arrested during a traffic stop near U.S. Route 1 and Southwest 136th Street in Pinecrest. Police set up surveillance near the Pinecrest Whole Foods on Dixie Highway where the man was spotted. According to the Herald, the alleged offender had been accused of offering rides to female students at the University of South Carolina, taking them to places other than their desired destinations, and refusing to let them out of his vehicle.
According to the South Carolina newspaper The State, the man was arrested by the Pinecrest Police Department on two outstanding arrest warrants: one for assault and another for domestic violence. Neither warrant was related to any incident involving the University of South Carolina students.
Two women, ages 21 and 18, reported to the Columbia Police Department on November 26 that they received a ride from the alleged offender. One female reported getting out of the car after feeling uncomfortable while the man attempted to prevent the other woman from leaving, causing her to receive medical treatment for scrapes and bruises to her leg.
The alleged offender was being held at Miami-Dade’s Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. His bond was set at $9,999, according to WACH-TV.
Attorney for Arrest Warrants in Miami, FL
It is important to understand that when a warrant is issued in Miami-Dade County, there are only two ways it will go away. Either a judge will withdraw the warrant or the alleged offender will be arrested. Warrants do not expire.
People do not have to live their lives on the run in order to avoid arrest warrants though. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you achieve a much more favorable resolution to your situation that helps you avoid the embarrassment of a public arrest.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may be able to file a petition to have the warrant withdrawn if it was improperly issued or—if the warrant was issued because of failure to appear in court—the missed court appearance was because of unavoidable circumstances. Legal counsel can also help negotiate a reduction in the bond amount or possibly even petition for a release on own recognizance (ROR) bond.
If nothing else, a lawyer will know how to negotiate with law enforcement so you can surrender on your own accord. Evan Hoffman is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Miami who represents residents and visitors in communities throughout Miami-Dade County.
Call (305) 928-1669 today to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.