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At the start of 2024, more than 300 law enforcement agencies statewide decided to join forces and embark on a new mission: The Great Texas Warrant Roundup. Under this agenda, the state has agreed to provide a "grace" period for all those who have failed to pay their outstanding fines.
While the Great Texas Warrant Roundup can affect all of the defendants in Texas, it's essential to understand that any accused who is willing to resolve a citation may end up damaging their driving record. Besides that, outstanding bench warrants may lead to detention until the accused's case is resolved.
If you're facing an arrest warrant in Fort Worth, Texas, it's important to reach out to our criminal defense attorneys at Sparks Law Firm. We give each case the attention it deserves, helping reduce your charges and restore your reputation. Call us now for a free consultation! We also have information on questions such as how long do you stay in jail for a bench warrant in Texas?
What Happens When a County Court Issues an Arrest Warrant?
Whether it's failure to appear for a court date or violation of an order issued by a judge, it could lead to an arrest warrant. When that happens, law enforcement officers may conduct an operation to make an arrest or detain the accused during a traffic stop, depending on the severity of the offense.
To avoid such embarrassing incidents, the accused must check whether there are any active warrants against them. This will help them determine the need to hire an experienced legal professional to fight the charges. They can also advise on questions like how will you be contacted if you have a warrant in Texas?
How to Check for Active Warrants in Texas
There are several ways the defendants in Texas can check whether there is an arrest warrant for them. These include the following:
County Court of Clerks
The accused can look up the Court of Clerks record database or visit the local sheriff's department's website for information on any active warrants.
For larger counties, there is a chance that the defendant may find what they're seeking. Harris County, for example, has a website with information posted about active warrants. If there is a person listed on its database, it means that there is an order issued by a judge against them.
That said, those living in smaller towns may face a lack of resources, requiring them to speak with the relevant clerk over the phone.
Federal Court
In some cases, the judge may issue a federal arrest warrant. This can have serious repercussions for the defendants. It's best for the accused to call up the relevant federal court for more information.
Bail Bondsman
County listings typically have details about active arrest warrants, which a bail bondsman has access to. They can help the defendant determine whether there is a court order against them.
Law Enforcement Agency
When a judge issues an arrest warrant, it is the responsibility of the law enforcement agency to produce the accused on the scheduled court date. This means that a police officer may be able to provide information about the order or writ issued.
Defendants in Texas may reach out to their loved ones or friends to call the relevant law enforcement department for more details about the arrest warrant.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Sometimes, the DPS may provide the defendants with a searchable database for active warrants and other important public records. An accused should consider visiting its website for more details on retrieving such information.
A Legal Professional
Resourceful attorneys can gain access to the database in the law enforcement system. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer can help defendants find out if there is an arrest warrant for them.
Are Arrest Warrants Public Record in Texas?
While the answer to this question may seem simple, it's much more complicated.
Most arrest warrants are public records, and the defendant may be able to contact the relevant county, court, or law enforcement agency for more information.
However, in some cases involving ongoing investigation, the court may withhold details about an arrest warrant, as it may interfere with the criminal case. In addition to that, sealed and expunged records may not be accessible to the public.
If a defendant violates a court order in Harris County, for example, they may be able to seek more information about their bench warrant. By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, the accused can fight the charges and file for an expungement.
What Should Defendants Do in Case of an Arrest Warrant?
Upon learning about their outstanding warrants, most defendants either run to escape from law enforcement officers or hand themselves over willingly. This can have a detrimental impact on their criminal case.
In case of a major offense, the law enforcement agency will immediately take action to find the accused and hold them in custody. This ensures public safety and helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
On the other hand, if it is a minor crime, the relevant police department may not allocate resources to make an arrest. However, it'll inform all of the officers to detain the defendant if pulled over during a traffic stop or at a checkpoint.
If an accused faces outstanding warrants in Texas and is arrested, they'll have to post a bond equivalent to their unpaid fines to get out of jail. While a bail bondsman can help in such situations, they cannot represent the defendant in court and fight their charges. It's best to save time and money by reaching out to a skilled criminal defense attorney.
The best criminal lawyers in Fort Worth can post the defendant's bond to suspend the arrest warrant, ensuring that the case returns to the court for a fair trial. This gives the accused an opportunity to tackle the prosecutor and have their charges reduced or eliminated.
A key thing to remember is that having an arrest warrant doesn't necessarily mean that the defendant has to serve jail time. They may need to pay fines or reschedule a court date. This makes it more important to stay calm, avoid overreacting, and let an experienced legal professional handle the matter.
Have a Warrant Issued Against You? Don't Worry, and Call Sparks Law Firm!
At Sparks Law Firm, our proactive legal team handles warrants and criminal defense cases daily. We have the expertise, skills, and resources to ensure that the defendants get the justice they deserve.
If you're facing an active warrant in Fort Worth, Texas, call us to schedule a free case evaluation with our passionate criminal defense attorneys. With more than 100 years of combined experience, you can trust us to help you in the most challenging situations!
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