Las Vegas Warrants: Free Ways to Check Clark County Statuses

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Nevada

According to Defenders, in Nevada, you can find out if there are outstanding warrants in your name by searching online or calling the appropriate authorities [1]. However, it’s highly recommended to hire a lawyer for this process. Those with active warrants should avoid calling directly, as their information could potentially be tracked by law enforcement.

If you or a loved one has an active warrant, the best option is to consult with a lawyer and have someone you can trust on your side. Setting a consultation to discuss the options available and how it may be recalled is wise, especially since the lawyer may be able to get the warrant quashed without their defendant appearing in court

If a crime is committed without law enforcement presence, an arrest warrant must be obtained before apprehending the suspect. An arrest warrant can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of being watched or followed. Having a knowledgeable and experienced legal partner is crucial in these situations. They can assist you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

Consequences of Missing a Court Date in Las Vegas

According to LegalMan, if you are pulled over for a traffic violation in Las Vegas, the officer will issue a citation that includes a date and time for you to appear in court [2]. This date is for your arraignment, where you must plead guilty or not guilty, not for your trial. You can also choose to pay the ticket or address the matter by the given date.

Many people miss the date. They may misunderstand what the court date means and believe they are supposed to have a defense prepared and do not attend. They may believe they must pay the fine by this date and are simply unable to pay. They may intend to go to court, but have an emergency family situation or can’t get off work. People may just forget

However, missing a court date does not make the issue disappear. Instead, the judge will issue a bench warrant or a “failure to appear” warrant. This warrant authorizes the police to take you into custody wherever they find you and will be listed in a database accessible to local law enforcement. If you are pulled over again or if a police officer checks your driver’s license, your name will appear in the database, leading to your arrest.

There are additional consequences for missing a court date. One significant ramification is that a judge will consider your record of court appearances when deciding your custody status. A history of failing to appear, even for traffic tickets, can negatively impact your case during a custody hearing.

While missing court dates for traffic tickets is a common reason for failure to appear warrants in Las Vegas, such warrants can be issued for missing any court date. It’s crucial to address all court dates promptly to avoid these severe consequences.

Steps to Quash a Bench Warrant in Nevada

According to SCLG, the first step to quashing a bench warrant in Nevada is to file a motion to quash with the appropriate court [3]. This motion requests the judge to hold a hearing to determine whether the warrant should be removed.

The court clerk typically schedules the hearing within two to five days. However, during this waiting period, you remain at risk of being arrested.

If the warrant is issued due to a late payment, you may be able to get the warrant recalled simply by making the payment. Call the court clerk for more details.

Bench Warrant Hearings

At the bench warrant hearing, your defense attorney will request the judge to quash the warrant. The judge is likely to comply unless you have a history of missing court appearances or defying court orders.

If the bench warrant included a bail amount, the defense attorney will also request the judge to “exonerate the bail,” which means you would no longer be obligated to pay it.

In many cases, you are not required to appear at these hearings if your attorney is present. However, the judge may require your appearance if:

• The case involves a felony criminal offense
• You have a lengthy criminal history
• You are considered a flight risk
• There was no satisfactory excuse for defying court orders, such as missing a court date

Once the warrant is quashed, the underlying criminal case against you can proceed. If you are late on fine payments, the judge may also set up a payment plan for you.

Related Articles:

• Bench Warrant Explained
• How Long Do You Stay in Jail for a Bench Warrant?
• 5 Reasons for Retracting a Statement

If you’re accused of a crime, don’t hesitate to contact us for your free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.

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If you or a loved one was involved with these matters, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

References:

1. https://thedefenders.net/blogs/do-i-have-a-warrant-in-my-name/
2. https://www.legalmann.com/nevada-criminal-process/warrants/
3. https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/warrants/bench-warrant/