Any arrest warrant is a serious matter. Sometimes they come as an unpleasant surprise: you learn through a third party or through a search that you have one.

At other times, you’re all too aware that there’s a warrant out for your arrest.

Either way, you’ve got to do something about it. 

Types of Warrants

  • Post-Judgement Arrest – Judges issue these warrants when you fail to complete a court-ordered payment plan or fail to meet other court-ordered obligations. 
  • Failure to Appear – Judges issue these warrants when you fail to appear at a court date. 
  • Arrest Warrant – Judges issue these warrants when there is probable cause to believe you have committed a crime. 

Usually HPD or the Harris County Sheriff’s office will move quickly to arrest you if they have an arrest warrant out on you. Yet sometimes the backlog buys you a little time. There are more than 700 open murder warrants in Houston right now, as well as over 25,000 open felony warrants. There are over 4,000 to 6,000 new warrants being generated every month.

Do not assume the backlog will keep you safe forever: use the time wisely.

Police don’t usually actively search for people who have bench warrants, but may arrest you if they stop you for another reason and discover that the warrant exists. In fact, most HPD arrests are made through traffic stops. If you know there’s a warrant out for your arrest you might want to stop driving until you can do something about it. 

Do warrants go away on their own?

No. Warrants remain in the system until resolved. That means you could be arrested at any time: when pulled over, at your home, or at your business.

How can I check for a Houston, TX arrest warrant?

You can search the Harris County Sheriff’s Department website

What should I do about a Houston, TX arrest warrant?

The first thing you should do is call a lawyer to go over your options. Much will depend on the severity of the charges. In addition, in Harris County it’s possible for your criminal defense lawyer to post an “Attorney Bond” on your behalf. This gets the court off your back a moment and gives you time to go over your options, to provide your lawyer with exculpatory evidence if you have any, and to start preparing a case. 

In some cases, working with the court to resolve the warrant is the best possible course of action. There are several different ways you can do this, but you won’t want to engage in any of them without talking to your lawyer first. Working with the court may mean appearing under a “walk in” docket or requesting a court date with the clerk of court. It may mean posting bail or turning yourself in to the police. It’s important to understand all of your options. You also may need to have cash on hand and ready to get yourself out of hot water. 

In trouble? Call us today.

See also:

How to Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent After a Houston, TX Arrest

What is a Keyword Warrant and How Might it Impact Your Houston, TX Criminal Case?

What Houston, TX Residents Need to Know About Illegal Search and Seizure

A+ Rated

Houston Criminal Lawyer

icon-2
Former Prosecutors

On Your Side

experience-min
Trial Proven

State and Federal

thumbsup-min
Over 2,500 Clients

Helped in Texas

Any arrest warrant is a serious matter. Sometimes they come as an unpleasant surprise: you learn through a third party or through a search that you have one.

At other times, you’re all too aware that there’s a warrant out for your arrest.

Either way, you’ve got to do something about it. 

Types of Warrants

  • Post-Judgement Arrest – Judges issue these warrants when you fail to complete a court-ordered payment plan or fail to meet other court-ordered obligations. 
  • Failure to Appear – Judges issue these warrants when you fail to appear at a court date. 
  • Arrest Warrant – Judges issue these warrants when there is probable cause to believe you have committed a crime. 

Usually HPD or the Harris County Sheriff’s office will move quickly to arrest you if they have an arrest warrant out on you. Yet sometimes the backlog buys you a little time. There are more than 700 open murder warrants in Houston right now, as well as over 25,000 open felony warrants. There are over 4,000 to 6,000 new warrants being generated every month.

Do not assume the backlog will keep you safe forever: use the time wisely.

Police don’t usually actively search for people who have bench warrants, but may arrest you if they stop you for another reason and discover that the warrant exists. In fact, most HPD arrests are made through traffic stops. If you know there’s a warrant out for your arrest you might want to stop driving until you can do something about it. 

Do warrants go away on their own?

No. Warrants remain in the system until resolved. That means you could be arrested at any time: when pulled over, at your home, or at your business.

How can I check for a Houston, TX arrest warrant?

You can search the Harris County Sheriff’s Department website

What should I do about a Houston, TX arrest warrant?

The first thing you should do is call a lawyer to go over your options. Much will depend on the severity of the charges. In addition, in Harris County it’s possible for your criminal defense lawyer to post an “Attorney Bond” on your behalf. This gets the court off your back a moment and gives you time to go over your options, to provide your lawyer with exculpatory evidence if you have any, and to start preparing a case. 

In some cases, working with the court to resolve the warrant is the best possible course of action. There are several different ways you can do this, but you won’t want to engage in any of them without talking to your lawyer first. Working with the court may mean appearing under a “walk in” docket or requesting a court date with the clerk of court. It may mean posting bail or turning yourself in to the police. It’s important to understand all of your options. You also may need to have cash on hand and ready to get yourself out of hot water. 

In trouble? Call us today.

See also:

How to Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent After a Houston, TX Arrest

What is a Keyword Warrant and How Might it Impact Your Houston, TX Criminal Case?

What Houston, TX Residents Need to Know About Illegal Search and Seizure

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
TESTIMONIALS

Rated 5/5 based on 52 customer reviews

DarkLogo
GrecoNeylandStars
Kenny McKee
Kenny McKee
17:11 11 Dec 18
They did a great job getting rid of my parking and speeding tickets. I recommended them to my friends and family. And they've also experienced the same professionalism and great quality service at an affordable price.
Brian Gomez
Brian Gomez
16:50 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff create the best team. They know the law, and made me feel like I was involved and understood everything that was going on. Dustan took the time to explain to me and my family what we could expect, and then led the way.
Heidi Etter
Heidi Etter
15:33 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff helped handle my divorce proceedings. He was incredibly knowledgeable and on top of everything I needed to do. Everything was handled in a timely and professional manner. I’m very thankful for his expertise in helping me to manage a difficult situation.
Jordan Bradshaw
Jordan Bradshaw
15:31 11 Dec 18
The staff at Greco Neyland helped a friend of mine on a case. Everyone was so nice and friendly! I definitely recommend them to anyone who needs someone knowledgeable who also really cares about their clients.
Justin Washington
Justin Washington
23:12 06 Nov 18
Dunstan and the staff at Greco Neyland are truly professional and very helpful and understanding through the process. I was facing a felony case and Dunstan got it no billed . I definitely recommend this firm if you want a lawyer that’s going to defend and fight for you.
Next Reviews Write a review
Shadow1
FREE CASE REVIEW

No Pressure. Speak To An Attorney. No Hidden Fees.

OR CALL 713.972.1100