Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
The Biggest Mistake People Make with an Arrest Warrant in Orlando
By: John Guidry II
Finding out there’s a warrant for your arrest is a terrifying experience. Your first instinct is probably that you have to run down to the jail and turn yourself in immediately. While you do have to address the warrant, surrendering without a plan is a mistake.
I know this might sound like a barber asking if you need a haircut, but the first and most important call you need to make is to an experienced criminal defense attorney. There are things we can do before you ever see the inside of a jail cell that can dramatically change the outcome of your case.
Don’t Face an Arrest Warrant Alone. What you do before you turn yourself in can set the stage for your entire defense. Call my Orlando office immediately for a confidential strategy session. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117
Why You Call a Lawyer FIRST: A Proactive Defense
The goal is to reframe the situation before you are formally arrested. By taking proactive steps, we can often transform a situation that looks like a malicious criminal act into a simple “misunderstanding” that has already been resolved.
On a theft case, for example, it may be possible to make the alleged victim whole (pay them back…) before the criminal case gets underway. That way, later down the road when we then contact the prosecutor, the narrative has completely changed. You are no longer a “thief”; you are a responsible person who has already made things right. Everything we do to help the situation before the warrant is served can lead to a better bond, a more favorable plea offer, a reduced sentence, or in some cases, even persuade the prosecutor to withdraw the warrant entirely.
The Best Game Plan When You Have a Warrant
- Do Not Panic. Take a deep breath. This is a fixable situation.
- Do Not Talk to the Police or Anyone Involved in the Case.
- Call an Experienced Local Attorney Immediately.
- Let Your Attorney Investigate and Make Contact First. We will find out the details of the warrant and see what can be done to mitigate the circumstances before you surrender.
- Arrange for a Safe and Orderly Surrender. If you must turn yourself in, we can often arrange it in a way that is far less traumatic and chaotic than being arrested unexpectedly at your home or work.
This article should be a nice start for you–but you’re going to need professional help. So, if you have a warrant in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County, call my office. I have been helping clients navigate this exact process since 1993.
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.