I Think I Have a Warrant in Tennessee. . .What Do I Do?

Many people believe that arrest warrants eventually go away. They do, right? After all, most crimes have statutes of limitations, don’t they?

But there is no statute of limitations on arrest warrants https://thelawdictionary.org/article/statute-limitations-arrest-warrants/. Once the authorities issue one, it stays active until it is served. An attorney may be able to get the case dismissed later, but that hope does not help people who are caught in a Shelby County warrants sweep. The next such event is never more than a few months away and can happen anywhere, at any time, and in any place in Tennessee.

Warrant roundups are not the only problem. If you have an outstanding warrant, you are subject to arrest at any time. The police do not even have to pull over your vehicle or stop you on the sidewalk. A simple license plate check can land you in jail. So, if you think you may have a warrant, please keep reading.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Warrant in Tennessee?

Many events trigger open arrest warrants. Some people fail to take care of traffic tickets on time. Even if they have valid excuses, the courts will still issue unpaid traffic ticket bench warrants (an arrest warrant which comes from a judge instead of the police). Other people violate obscure probation or parole conditions. These people may have active warrants in Tennessee and not even know it until they are pulled over for missing a stop sign or making an illegal turn.

Some bonding companies offer free warrant checks. If the warrant is local, the bonding company can usually have the warrant withdrawn and the case placed on the court’s docket. In many situations, the defendant does not need to report to jail. In other cases, a quick check-in/check-out may be required.

What Happens Next?

After the case goes back on the docket, some people plead guilty or no contest in exchange for reduced charges or a lesser sentence. This is called plea bargaining.  Sometimes, if the case is old, most of the evidence may have disappeared. For example, the officer who wrote the original speeding ticket or made the initial arrest may be long gone. The paper record may be admissible in its place.  Then again, the record may be difficult to locate.

Alternatively, the case could go to trial. As indicated, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The plea-or-trial decision is usually up to you and your lawyer.  As long as the case is pending, if you do not miss a court date or fail to comply with any other condition, there will be no bench warrant. Then, once the case is over, it is over and done! Again, that’s assuming you comply with all mandatory conditions.

Typically, outstanding warrants are fairly easy to clean up. If you put it off, things could get a lot worse. So, if you think you there is even a possibility that you have a warrant in Tennessee, why not call bail bond near me United Bonding Company first. They can help you from having one of those horrible warrant search surprises where you find out there is a warrant for your arrest and you end up in jail. United Bonding Company is available 24/7 for immediate bail assistance at (901) 577-1138 every day of the year.

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