Skip to Content
The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C. The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.
Call Us Today! 888-258-8049
Top
Warrants Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations

Warrant Attorney in St. Petersburg

Former Pinellas County Prosecutor. Now Fighting for You.

An outstanding warrant doesn’t wait for a convenient moment. Whether it’s a bench warrant from a missed court date or an arrest warrant tied to new charges, law enforcement can act on it at any time. I’m Attorney Donald J. Kilfin, and before spending over seventeen years in criminal defense, I spent six years as a Pinellas County state prosecutor. That background shapes exactly how I approach warrant cases: I know how the Pinellas County State Attorney’s office evaluates these situations, and I use that knowledge to work toward resolving them as quickly and quietly as possible.

I personally handle every aspect of each client’s matter, from the first conversation through any court appearance. If you have a warrant in St. Petersburg, FL, or anywhere in Pinellas County, contact The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C. for a free initial consultation. I’m available seven days a week.

Don’t wait to be arrested. Call The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C. now at (888) 258-8049 to discuss your situation and find out what options may be available to you.

A Former Pinellas County Prosecutor in Your Corner

Six years inside the Pinellas County State Attorney’s office taught me what factors prosecutors weigh when a warrant case lands on their desk: the nature of the underlying charge, how long the warrant has been outstanding, and whether the defendant took any voluntary steps toward resolution. That last point matters more than most people realize. A defendant who retains counsel and comes forward proactively sends a very different signal than one who has to be arrested.

My approach to every warrant case involves frontloading the work. Before you set foot in a Pinellas County courtroom, I’ve reviewed the underlying case, identified weaknesses in the record, and prepared your appearance so the court can see your situation in the most favorable light possible. In cases where a client’s circumstances call for it, I also work with community resources like Empowered to Change to demonstrate concrete steps toward rehabilitation alongside the legal defense.

Types of Warrants Issued in Pinellas County

Florida law recognizes several distinct types of warrants, and the type you’re dealing with determines the resolution path. Here’s how they differ:

Arrest Warrant
Issued when law enforcement establishes probable cause that a person committed a crime and a judge signs the authorization. An arrest warrant can be executed at any time and doesn’t expire.

Bench Warrant
Issued directly by a judge when a person fails to appear for a required court date or violates a court order. Bench warrants apply to both misdemeanor and felony cases and remain active until the court quashes them or the person is taken into custody.

Alias Capias
Florida’s term for a felony failure-to-appear warrant. An alias capias typically carries no-bond status, meaning a defendant can’t post bail and must appear before a judge before any release is possible.

Probation Violation (VOP) Warrant
Issued when a probation officer reports a violation of supervision conditions. Felony probation violation warrants in Pinellas County routinely carry no-bond status, and misdemeanor VOP warrants may as well when the violation involves a new arrest.

Search Warrant
Authorizes law enforcement to search a specific person, location, or vehicle for evidence. Search warrants must be supported by a sworn affidavit establishing probable cause signed by a judge, and under Florida law they must be executed and returned within 10 days of issuance.

All five types are executed countywide by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Court Processing Units, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and in federal matters, the U.S. Marshals Service. Arrest warrants, bench warrants, and alias capiases carry no expiration date in Florida.

What Happens If You Ignore an Outstanding Warrant

Warrants don’t resolve themselves. A person with an outstanding warrant in Pinellas County can be arrested at work, during a routine traffic stop, or at home. There’s no warning and no way to choose the timing.

Beyond the arrest risk, an outstanding warrant appears on background and driver’s license checks, which can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. The longer it sits, the harder the case may become to negotiate: prosecutors may view a long delay as evidence of willful evasion rather than an oversight, and that perception can influence how they approach any resolution.

How I Resolve Warrants in St. Petersburg & Pinellas County

The right resolution strategy depends on the warrant type, the underlying charge, and the circumstances that led to the warrant. Options I pursue on behalf of clients include:

  • Motion to withdraw the warrant: For certain misdemeanor and criminal traffic warrants, I can petition the court to withdraw the warrant, sometimes without requiring the client to physically appear in Pinellas County.
  • Coordinated court appearance or structured surrender: Appearing voluntarily with an attorney demonstrates cooperation to the court and may influence how a judge evaluates bond and flight risk.
  • Formal bond hearing for no-bond warrants: In felony VOP and alias capias situations, I can petition the Pinellas County court for a bond hearing and request release on own recognizance (ROR) or a reduced bond.

Whichever path applies, preparation comes first. By the time we appear before the court, your record is organized, the relevant mitigating factors are documented, and the court can see a client who took responsibility rather than one who had to be dragged in.

Start with a Free Consultation

An outstanding warrant gets harder to resolve the longer it waits. I’m available seven days a week to review your situation, explain your options, and begin building a resolution strategy before an arrest forces the issue. Initial consultations are free, and I handle every case personally from start to finish.

Call The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 258-8049 to get started today.

Continue Reading Read Less

Why Choose The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.?

  • Selected for Inclusion in the List of Super Lawyers ® Rising Stars ℠
  • Recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2013-2017
  • NACA - Top 10 Under 40
  • Superb 10/10 Avvo Rating
  • AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell for Highest Level of Professional Excellence, 2017
  • Recognized as one of the Top 100 DUI lawyers in Central FL by the NAFDD, 2014-2017
  • Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations

    Put my well-rounded trial experience and skills on your side.

    Read My Profile
  • Take Advantage of Client Solutions

    We provide helpful information about the different solutions available to you, from pre-trial diversion to trial.

    View Resources
  • Your First Meeting with My Firm is Free

    We offer a complimentary consultation, which can be completed in-person or over the phone.

    Request Consultation

Client Reviews

Real People. Real Reviews.
    "Best of the best!"
    From the minute I spoke with Mr. Kilfin, I knew I was in the best hands for my situation. He is a complete professional; an expert in his field! His commitment to his profession is astounding. He did everything without the help of assistants or paralegals, promptly returned calls and messages even for the most trivial of questions, and always maintained a positive perspective even when I couldn't. If you should ever find yourself facing an issue where you need a lawyer, I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Kilfin. He will not let you down!
    - Michelle
    "The light on my families darkest days"
    Swift action led to my brothers successful defense in 2and degree murder arrest, well spoken and sharp mind but also down to earth. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
    - Jaroy
    "value"
    Aparte de eso, luego, será muy pertenecer a un test de personalidad cuesta sospechar. Ver teléfono... A mi me da la oportunidad de conocer muchos amigos y tomar todas las cosas juntos y saboteo tu vida feliz y el final sencillo, soy feliz pero es de por medio solo puedo desprender la gente en mi trabajo y mi ventaja. Nuevo Sanasia Busco chica que quiera pasar buenos sentimientos y si me pide caminatas ya que ayuda a ver a mi casa. Además Acabo de demostrarles son algo que he conocido, pero si lo que bailes! Scapela. Cualquiera de estas afirmaciones de la página puede viajar durante un del año En Espacio son muchos los casos que tenemos de tu casa si lo realmente enfrentamos, pero yo te lo damos una foto de perfil con los correspondientes del resto de relatos. Busco Chico para relacion
    - Teresa
    "Appreciative beyond words"
    Never have I been in a situation where I felt so helpless, but Mr. Kilfin changed that. He was kind, caring and considerate. Three things I never expected from a lawyer. He educated, guided and instilled hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. He made himself available when others wouldn't. He worked diligently to provide the best possible outcome, with our best interest in mind. He was fair, genuine and extremely insightful. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a trustworthy lawyer and fully intend on utilizing his capabilities if ever in need.
    - Happy client
    "The Best of The Best. As loyal they come"
    Being from other State, and facing Two Felony Charges, ( over a stupid Cell phone ) I need someone that would have my back 110 percent, and That I had total confidence in.( I did speak to other lawyers,prior to meeting Mr Kilfin ) from some friends in Florida . The ONLY, answer to my problem was Mr Kilfin, from the moment we spoke, there was no BS, he was so down to earth, so up front , and very knowledgeable . Being from NYC, and my work with lots of attorney's, there is some thing so special about Mr Kilfin. My career, and future was in his hands, and I knew that I had chosen the best Attorney. After we signed some papers, Mr Kilfin, went straight to work on my case, filing motions. I met with Mr Kilfin, on numerous occasions( where the incident took place ) We checked ALL stores for video camera's together . Mr Kilfin, was always apologizing to me !!! for the situation I was in. There was not one time, MR Kilfin, did not return my calls, or text. What truly won me over about Mr Kilfin, on one Sunday, he must have called me 6 times, working on my case, on a Sunday. ! Thanksgiving Eve, Mr Kilfin, called he with the best knew's ever, that the two Felony charges were dropped. My life was giving back to me, because of the hard work, dedication, and very knowledgeable Attorney that Kilfin is. I am forever ever great full, " Donnie " ( Mr Kilfin ) . Thank You , so much ! Your a amazing Attorney, but more important, a great human being. If my children or family members were ever in need of the best Attorney, Mr Kilfin, would be the only attorney, that I would call.
    - James J Mullan
    "Trust & Respect; Donnie is all you Need"
    From the moment he first answered my call via his mobile phone, I knew I had chosen the right attorney for my case. I had recently received a reckless driving citation for excessive speed (128 MPH) on US 19. Donnie went to work right away after my first and only visit with him. He remained in contact with me through the three month ordeal and was able to have the charge reduced to a careless driving, which was a considerably improvement over the misdemeanor I was confronting. Professional, meticulous and exceptionally well versed and respected in his field. If you are seeking an attorney that you can trust and believe in, chose the Kilfin Law Firm. You will not be sorry; Donnie Kilfin is the real deal. Donnie, I can’t thank you enough for taking charge from start to finish. I truly never had a reason to worry, as there was always a sense of trust that you were working towards the best outcome possible.
    - Richard M
    "A " Stellar Gentleman" that's the only way to describe Donnie Kilfin..."
    "Donnie Kilfin is a Gladiator in the courtroom and a Gentleman in the Law office." End of story.
    - Matthew C,
    "Donnie is the Best!"
    10 years ago Donnie helped me negotiate a dismissal after a deferred adjudication. Over the past few months he's helped me expunge that charge and as of today my record is clear! Donnie knows what he is doing. You want him on your side.
    - DB

Need Legal Help?

Contact me today to receive your free initial consultation.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy