Click here for a Travis County Warrant Search. Need a Williamson County Warrant Search? According to the Williamson County Warrant FAQ, you must go to the Sheriff’s Office with photo ID or have your attorney send an official letterhead in order to find out you have a warrant out for your arrest. They are not permitted to give that information over via email or over phone.
“We have a warrest for your arrest” may sound straight out of CSI, but having a warrant out for your arrest is usually much less exciting than on television. Very rarely are there high-speed chases and action-packed fights. In fact, most outstanding warrants are for Class C Misdemeanors, the lowest existing criminal offense. Most Class C Misdemeanors are for traffic crimes (like speeding tickets), but this category also includes disorderly conduct, public intoxication, gambling, and criminal trespassing. An individual can have a warrant out for missing a court date or not paying child support.
Warrants are part of public record in Texas, which means anyone can search and see them.
Different Types of Warrants: Bench Warrant vs Arrest Warrant
Though bench warrants and arrest warrants can both land you in jail, there are several distinctions between the two.
With arrest warrants, there is strong reason to believe a specific individual has committed a crime. For example, if a person is identified robbing a convenience store in surveillance footage, a warrant may be issued for their arrest. Arrest warrants are much more active than bench warrants, and authorities will be actively trying to apprehend the individual who committed the crime.
Bench warrants are more passive, but can still get you in a lot of trouble if left unaddressed. Judges issue a bench warrant when a defendant either doesn’t comply with a legal order, like showing up to a mandatory court date for their case. They can also be issued for failing to pay a fine or traffic ticket, not appearing for jury duty, refusing to pay child support, or other situations like these. Because these are more minor offenses, authorities may not be actively searching for you. Many people are actually unaware they have a bench warrant out on them, but they will still be arrest if stopped by a police officer.
What to do if you have a warrant out?
Make sure you know your Class C Misdemeanor rights before panicking. Class C Misdemeanors are punishable by fines up to $500, but additional fines can mount up on top of the original fee. These rights include:
- In many cases, you can pay online or by mail, but you will be charged with the crime. If you want to plead not guilty, you will need to show up to court in person.
- If you can’t make your court date, you have the right to call to reschedule.
- You have the right to plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
Whatever you do, make sure that you keep track of all documents between yourself and the court, as well as any documents from the courtroom.
The Texas Warrant Roundup
Between February and March each year, over 300 law enforcement agencies and courts crack down annually on active warrants. Most of these are for Class C Misdemeanors, like traffic tickets, that have been ignored, forgotten, or not paid in full. There is a two-week amnesty period before the warrant crackdown starts in which these fines can be paid without being arrested to encourage people to come forward and pay.
While some minor offenses can be negotiated with a judge, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney if you have a warrant out for your arrest. Fines, surcharges, and other complications can add onto old tickets very quickly.
Thank you for reading the legal news blog of The Law Office of Gabriella Young. We are an Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County criminal defense law firm and our jail release assistance is available 24/7. We are dedicated to our clients and their futures, and will handle your case with compassion and dedication!