If I have failure to appear warrants, is my only choice to turn myself in?
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If I have failure to appear warrants, is my only choice to turn myself in?
I have 3 driving with suspended license due to just not renewing my license. DUI failure to appear due to just losing everything for this incident.
Asked on April 23, 2012 under Criminal Law, Washington
Answers:
Kenneth Berger / Kenneth A. Berger, Attorney at Law
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
This question is hard to answer without knowing what court the FTA is in. Many of our Washington District Courts will allow you to just appear at the clerk's window and get a new date to be arraigned. In many cases, if you appear promptly and voluntarily there will be little or no bond. This can all vary depending on your circumstances, especially what the underlying charge is, your criminal history, and how long it has been since you FTAed.
As always, my comments are only applicable to Washington State and are not a substitute for getting competent, local, and more comprehensive, legal help.
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
A failure to appear or bench warrant means that you can be arrested on the warrant at any given time. The warrant will not be removed until you address it by either getting arrested or turning yourself in on the warrant. For bond purposes, you stand a greater chance of obtaining a personal bond or low bond by turning yourself in by your own will and accord then you will by being arrested on the warrant.
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