As a criminal defense attorney, I receive calls everyday with questions from folks about how to clear up an outstanding bench warrant.

The first question you have to ask yourself is whether you have a warrant in the first place. Fortunately the Mohave County Superior Court has created a web page for individuals to find out the answer to that question.  You can click on the following link to determine if you or a loved one has any outstanding warrants in court for Mohave County.

If you do have an outstanding bench warrant the best advice I could give you is to deal with it.

Based on all the years of my legal experience it is always best to prepare to face the responsibility of surrendering on an outstanding bench warrant. It might depend on your local judge, but a defendant who comes into court is more likely to get the benefit of the doubt compared to one who is arrested and appears in an orange jump suit in custody.

It is just human nature, and sometimes logistically easier to let a defendant who turns them self in to release them back on their own recognizance. In contrast it is easier for an inmate to remain an inmate with the judge imposing a bond to ensure compliance with court orders and any subsequent scheduled court hearings.

I recommend that you research with the court or a criminal attorney as to which weekday the court will have walk-ins turn themselves in. In the meantime avoid situations that could possibly result in unnecessary police contact (a passenger in a recklessly driven vehicle, attending a disorderly party, loitering or under intoxication in public.)

If you are contacted by the police before you have the opportunity to walk in and quash the warrant, any police officer would legally have to arrest you to bring you before the magistrate .

If you do have questions about an outstanding warrant, always feel free to contact my office about your legal options.

Click Here For Link To Mohave County Bench Warrant Page

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.