What’s the Difference Between an Endorsed and Unendorsed Warrant?
If you’ve been told there’s a warrant out for your arrest, one of the first things you need to understand is what kind of warrant it is. In Alberta, the difference between an endorsed and an unendorsed warrant can have a huge impact on what happens next — including whether you’ll be held on the spot or allowed to go home after processing.
Here’s what each one means and what to do if either applies to you.
🔹 What Is an Endorsed Warrant?
An endorsed warrant means that a judge or justice of the peace has signed off on the warrant and approved a form of release in advance — usually through a Promise to Appear or an Undertaking.
✅ What this means for you:
If police arrest you on an endorsed warrant, they can release you right away without a bail hearing. Remember though, sometimes you may still be held - it can be at the discretion of the police, and criminal records and the nature of the offence can give strong indicators about what happens next.
You’ll be given documents that require you to show up in court on a future date.
Endorsed warrants are more common for less serious charges or first-time accused.
This type of warrant gives you a chance to respond without being taken into custody, especially if you work with a lawyer to arrange a safe surrender.
🔹 What Is an Unendorsed Warrant?
An unendorsed warrant means that a judge or justice has signed the warrant without approving any release terms. That means you must be taken into police custody and held for a bail hearing.
❌ What this means for you:
You cannot be released by police on the spot.
You’ll be held and taken to court — often the next day or longer — for a judge to decide if you should be granted bail.
These are usually issued for more serious offences, past criminal records, or failures to appear in court.
If you suspect you have an unendorsed warrant, contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately — we can arrange a plan that avoids unnecessary time in jail and increases your chances of being released.
🛑 Don’t Guess — Get Legal Advice
If you’re unsure whether there’s a warrant out for your arrest — or if you’ve heard conflicting information — your best move is to speak to a criminal defence lawyer right away.
At Patmore Defence, we:
Discreetly confirm whether a warrant exists
Advise you on what type of warrant you’re dealing with
Help arrange a safe surrender and bail strategy if needed
We help clients all over Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan handle arrest warrants with minimal disruption and maximum protection of their rights.
📞 Call or text Patmore Defence 24/7: 403-XXX-XXXX
🌐 www.patmoredefence.com
Free consultations. Real answers. No pressure.