Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Probation violation extradition

I've just found out that I have a warrant in Contra Costa County, California, for a probation violation; the original charge was a misdemeanor for which I served 90 days. The warrant was issued in 1999. I now live in Ohio and am on disability. I have the information needed to find out about this warrant, and to find out if the State/County wants to extradite me, but, for a variety of reasons, I'm not comfortable with calling the Sherrif's Dept and announcing my whereabouts. Is extradition normal for a first offense misdemeanor probation violation? And, do I have any reason to worry about California authorities contacting Ohio?

Thanks for any help....this has me in a blind panic....


Asked on 2/06/06, 8:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Drew David P. Drew, Esq.

Re: Probation violation extradition

There are many types of warrants. Some are interstate and some are intrastate. Most misdemeanor warrants are in state only and you do not have to worry about them unless you return to the state where the warrant was issued. However, in this case, the proper procedure is that you can call and turn yourself in (or have someone call for you such as an attorney)and assuming they accept you, the issuing jurisdiction (California) is placed on on notice that they have 15 days to come get you and transport you back to California to answer for the warrant or they can just refuse to do so which means you are released without fear of being picked up here in Ohio again (such as getting stopped for a traffic ticket and the police running a search for warrants on you).

Please call if you have additional questions.

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Answered on 2/06/06, 8:55 am


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