How Do I Resolve My Old Warrant?
You were told you have an unresolved warrant in Iowa. This might feel daunting, especially if you weren’t aware there was an outstanding warrant. At Branstad & Olson, we hear from clients in Des Moines, IA, and beyond who find themselves in precisely this situation.
Here’s what you need to know about outstanding warrants and how we can help you resolve them.
Scenario: Unknown Outstanding Warrant
Picture this real-life example. You’re driving through Texas on an average day. You’re pulled over for speeding, you hand over your license and registration, and the officer runs your information.
Moments later, the officer says you have an outstanding warrant in Des Moines, but cannot tell you for what. What steps should you take now?
This scenario is not uncommon. Many people are shocked to learn they have unresolved warrants, some years or decades old.
How Can Someone Have a Warrant Without Knowing It?
Unresolved warrants, especially old ones, can happen for several reasons. Here are a few scenarios in which a person might not be aware of their legal situation:
- Missed Court Dates: If you failed to appear in court, the judge might have issued a bench warrant.
- Clerical Errors: Mistakes during a legal process may leave warrants on your record even after you thought they were addressed.
- Unknown Charges: An officer may have investigated a report and filed a charge. If you were not easily findable, the charge may be ‘sitting in warrant’.
Can I Confirm If My Warrant Is Resolved?
If you suspect you may have an old warrant, there are a few ways to check its status:
- Contact the Iowa Court System: Start by checking the online public court records for Iowa. If the warrant is due to a probation violation or a missed court date, the warrant may be public. Online records provide basic information about case status.
- Consult Local Law Enforcement: Take this approach with great care because contacting authorities may trigger additional action. Additionally, law enforcement may have questions, and you need to decide in advance if you are answering questions.
- Work with a Legal Professional: You may also contact a criminal defense attorney, like the team at Branstad & Olson. Your attorney can investigate the warrant status and advise you about next steps.
Why Resolve Old Warrants
An unresolved warrant won’t disappear with time. It can have consequences, including:
- Arrest: Outstanding warrants can result in unexpected arrests.
- Fines and Penalties: Ignoring a warrant could lead to additional charges if there are grounds for Failure to Appear.
- Effect on Job Applications or Passport Applications: Warrants may be found in certain employment or government searches.
- Stress: Simply knowing you have an outstanding warrant can be stressful.
Branstad & Olson Can Help
At Branstad & Olson in Des Moines, our team helps clients locate and resolve legal issues like outstanding warrants. We handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to face this challenge alone.
We can assist you with:
- Confidential Investigation: We’ll discreetly take steps verify your warrant's status.
- Legal Representation: From negotiating with the state to representing you in any proceedings, we will protect your interests.
- Proactive Resolution: We work toward a resolution, whether by arranging a payment plan, settling fines, appearing in court on your behalf or with you, or investigating the charge.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind by clearing up the confusion and actively addressing your case.
If you suspect or discover an unresolved warrant in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa, don’t panic. Take proactive steps to resolve it. At Branstad & Olson, we can guide you through the process.
Contact Branstad & Olson for legal assistance with warrants in Des Moines and beyond.