Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: arrest warrant

It depends on why you are at the courthouse. For example, if you are there on a civil or family law case, it's very unlikely they'd check (unless your ex knows of your warrant and snitches on you). If you are there trying to clear up a case where there is a failure to appear warrant, and it is something relatively minor, chances are you'll get to walk out the front door. If you are seriously wanted for something (other than not appearing for your traffic ticket), you will need a lawyer to come to court with you. The county jail is overcrowded and there is an excellent chance they don't want you / they will release you on your own recognizance. Lawyers are good at making excuses and explaining away why you didn't show up when you were supposed to because of your terrible personal circumstances. But YOU should not speak even one word to the police, DA, or judge about your own criminal case or warrant.

Re: arrest warrant

Yes. If you are there to add yourself on the calendar because you missed a court date, some court clerks give you a piece of paper that says you have court date scheduled and you can go on way. If you are a witness and are worried that the warrant information may show up when the lawyers check into your background - then yes, it's possible. If you are appearing in court on one matter and you are wondering if they will notice you have a warrant on another matter - it's possible. The question really is will they look and if they look will it show up where they are looking. If it's an original warrant - yes, it's possible.

It might be a good idea to talk to an attorney because sometimes your lawyer can coordinate a turn-in to the police station or in court and then you know exactly what it going to happen. The process is much less stressful when you have more control over what's happening.

Good luck,

Elena

Re: arrest warrant

guaranteed. Instead, have an attorney make your appearance for you, and negotiate a recall of the warrant as part of handling your case. Feel free to contact me if you want to do this right.