If I am arrested for an outstanding warrant in another state – what happens? How many years does the warrant last for?
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If I am arrested for an outstanding warrant in another state – what happens? How many years does the warrant last for?
Asked on May 14, 2009 under Criminal Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
A warrant does not expire. That means it lasts forever. Just because it happened in another state doesn't make it go away. If you are stopped for a speeding ticket this could come up or for something as simple as an employment background check.
If you are arrested you can be extradited (brought back) to the state where all of this happened. What you need to do now is hire an attorney in the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued. He will help you sort this out.
You didn't say what the warrant was for. If it was something like failure to appear for a DUI 15 years ago, there's a possibility that this all might be cleared up administratively. At any rate, you will need to take care of this and the sooner the better.
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