Whatt o do if I just found out that I have a warrant from 15 years ago for a failure to appear for possession/sales?
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Whatt o do if I just found out that I have a warrant from 15 years ago for a failure to appear for possession/sales?
I want to take care of this and get it cleared. What is the worst that they would do to me?
Asked on December 12, 2012 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
David West / West & Corvelli
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Anytime you have an outstanding warrant from that long ago, it will take some work to get it resolved. You should definately hire an attorney to help you who has experience in criminal defense and these types of situations.
It will take the court some time to find this case most likely as a result of its age. If you are arrested or turn yourself in without having an attorney make the proper arrangements, you could be stuck in jail while they try to find the case, set it down for a hearing and locate witnesses. An attorney such as myself could help keep you from spending much or any time in jail if hired in advance. Often we can convince the judge to allow you to walk into court to try and deal with the case, perhaps getting any bench warrant lifted or even resolving the case completely.
I would urge you to talk with a lawyer who offers free consultations and try to put this matter behind you so that you don't have to spend any more of your life looking over your shoulder worrying about getting arrested. There is some chance that this all could be resolved without you spending any great time in jail or even going to jail - especially if the State's witnesses are not available for them anymore. A good lawyer would be able to figure out the best strategy for getting you out of this mess.
Best Regards,
David S. West
Attorney at Law
David West / David West & Associates
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Anytime you have an outstanding warrant from that long ago, it will take some work to get it resolved. You should definately hire an attorney to help you who has experience in criminal defense and these types of situations.
It will take the court some time to find this case most likely as a result of its age. If you are arrested or turn yourself in without having an attorney make the proper arrangements, you could be stuck in jail while they try to find the case, set it down for a hearing and locate witnesses. An attorney such as myself could help keep you from spending much or any time in jail if hired in advance. Often we can convince the judge to allow you to walk into court to try and deal with the case, perhaps getting any bench warrant lifted or even resolving the case completely.
I would urge you to talk with a lawyer who offers free consultations and try to put this matter behind you so that you don't have to spend any more of your life looking over your shoulder worrying about getting arrested. There is some chance that this all could be resolved without you spending any great time in jail or even going to jail - especially if the State's witnesses are not available for them anymore. A good lawyer would be able to figure out the best strategy for getting you out of this mess.
Best Regards,
David S. West
Attorney at Law
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