One of the most-asked questions I deal with as a criminal defense attorney is what a person should do when he thinks there is a warrant for his arrest. I always tell people the same thing: first thing's first, speak to a lawyer. When a client calls my office and tells us he thinks he might have a warrant, we immediately try to set up an in-office meeting. I need to know what sort of case we're dealing with and whether the person has already had contact with law enforcement officers. In addition, we contact the Sheriff's Department and inquire about the person's warrant status. If there is not a warrant in the system, that does not necessarily mean that a warrant does not exist. In those instances, an attorney may have to contact the investigator working the case, if there is one or, depending on the circumstances, other law enforcement agencies or courts.
However, if we find there is an active warrant, we will find out the bond amount and put you in touch with a reputable bond company. In order to do a "walk-through" in Williamson County, three things must happen. A person must be booked in, a bond must be posted and a person must either see a magistrate or have his attorney file a Waiver of Magistration. Once we have contacted a bond company we will then determine the best day and time for the person to turn himself in. Once he's been turned in, the bond company will post the bond and, about the same time, I will come to the jail to file a Waiver of Magistration so the person does not have to wait to see a magistrate, which can sometimes take hours. Once the bond has been posted and the Waiver of Magistration has been filed, the only thing left is the person must get booked in. The time it takes to get booked varies. However, with a walk-through, the person will not have to spend the night or change his clothes into the dreaded orange jumpsuit.
After we've completed the walk-through, we will get a court date. At that time, my office sends a letter of representation to the court and usually that court date will be reset for approximately a month. Before the first court date, my office will request the police report and all videos in the case. In addition, we will sit down at my office and discuss the case at length so that we are prepared for the first court setting.
If you think you may have an warrant, call my office immediately. We'll work to make this stressful situation as painless as possible by guiding you every step of the way.