It’s a question I get all the time: “An incident happened a few weeks ago, and I haven’t heard anything. Am I in the clear?” The honest answer is: not necessarily. In Connecticut, the police don’t have to arrest you on the day an incident occurs, and in many cases, they choose not to. Instead, they take their time. They write reports, interview witnesses, collect statements, and apply for a warrant. Weeks—or even months—later, you might unexpectedly get a knock on the door.
On-Scene Arrest vs. Warrant Arrest
People often assume that if they weren’t arrested on the spot, they’re safe. But there is a big difference between an on-scene arrest and a warrant arrest. With an on-scene arrest—usually during domestic disputes, assaults, or disturbances—officers decide that probable cause exists right then and there. You’re arrested, processed, and sent to court the next business day.
A warrant arrest is much quieter. Instead of arresting you immediately, the officer gathers evidence, submits the case to a prosecutor, and applies for an arrest warrant for a judge to review. You might be completely unaware that this is happening until the police show up at your home, or until you are pulled over for a minor traffic violation and the warrant pops up in the system. Weeks of silence do not mean the case just went away.
DUI Accidents and Hospital Blood Draws
This delay is especially common—and misunderstood—with DUI accidents where someone is taken to the hospital. If you aren’t arrested that night, you might assume the situation is over. It isn’t. The hospital draws your blood for medical treatment, not for criminal prosecution, and they measure alcohol differently than the legal system does.
To pursue DUI charges, the police must subpoena your medical records, obtain the lab values, and send them to the Connecticut State Forensic Science Laboratory to be converted into a legally recognized blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This conversion process routinely takes several weeks or even months. If you were in a DUI accident and went to the hospital, you should assume the investigation is still active.
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make
When an investigation goes quiet, people often make things worse. They call the other person involved, send texts trying to smooth things over, or post about the incident online. All of those communications can be included in the warrant file. If you suspect a complaint was made against you, the absolute worst move is trying to fix it yourself.
Can Anything Be Done Before a Warrant Is Signed?
Fortunately, yes. Before a warrant is officially signed, there is sometimes a window of opportunity to contact the investigating officer, provide crucial context, clarify misunderstandings, and strategically position the case. Once the warrant is signed, your options narrow significantly, which is why early intervention matters. It is important to clarify that this does not mean contacting the police yourself. This would be a huge mistake, as everything you say to a police officer can later be used against you. The best option is to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney to act as your intermediary and spokesperson with the investigating officer.
If something happened and you’re wondering whether a warrant could be coming, trust your instincts. Time passing does not mean it’s over, and preparation protects you. Call before it escalates, or use our online contact form for a prompt response.
Allan F. Friedman
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Representing clients statewide in Connecticut
203-357-5555
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can police arrest me weeks after an incident in Connecticut?
Yes, police can absolutely arrest you weeks or even months after an incident occurs. They often use this time to quietly gather evidence, interview witnesses, and secure an arrest warrant from a judge.
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Does a lack of immediate arrest mean the case was dropped?
Not at all. Silence usually just means the police are building a case behind the scenes to apply for a warrant.
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What is the difference between an on-scene arrest and a warrant arrest?
An on-scene arrest happens immediately when officers find probable cause at the exact time and location of the incident. A warrant arrest happens later, after police have investigated, filed reports, and a judge has signed off on the charges.
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Why do DUI arrests often happen months after a car accident?
If you were taken to the hospital, the police must subpoena your medical blood records and send them to a state lab for analysis. Converting hospital blood tests into a legally recognized Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) takes weeks or months to complete.
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Should I try to contact the victim to smooth things over?
No, you should never reach out to the other party involved in the incident. Any texts, calls, or social media messages you send can be used as direct evidence against you in the warrant.
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Will I be notified when the police apply for a warrant?
The warrant application process itself is completely confidential. However, once a warrant is signed, the police will generally send a letter by mail to your home asking you to turn yourself in, though that is not guaranteed. If they don’t send a letter, you might not know the warrant exists until they show up at your door or stop you for a routine traffic violation.
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Can a lawyer help me before a warrant is officially signed?
Yes, hiring a lawyer early on can be highly beneficial to your case. An attorney can contact the investigating officer to provide crucial context or documentation that might prevent the warrant from being issued in the first place.
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Why do some investigations take much longer than others?
Cases involving severe allegations, like sexual misconduct or serious DUI accidents, require extensive review by prosecutors and forensic laboratories. This thorough review process naturally extends the timeline before an arrest is made.
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What should I do if I suspect an arrest warrant is coming?
You should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation. Waiting until the warrant is already signed will severely limit your legal options and leverage.
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How long can police wait to arrest me in Connecticut?
The time limit depends on the statute of limitations for the specific crime, which can range from one year for minor misdemeanors to several years for felonies. As long as they are within that legal timeframe, police can arrest anyone whose warrant is approved.