Outstanding warrants

How to erase an exceptional arrest warrant

There are several things that can be done to clear outstanding warrants. However, you should know the following facts in advance:

Swift action is required as soon as you become aware that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest. Any delay tends to paint you in a negative light. When it comes to arrest warrants, it is much better to go to court voluntarily, rather than wait to be dragged into court after an arrest.

Why are arrest warrants issued?

If you have already been convicted, warrants for your arrest are generally issued in cases where your probation officer believes you have violated the terms of your probation.

If your case is still ongoing, a warrant for your arrest may be issued as a way to ensure that you appear in court for your arraignment (your first court hearing).

If you miss a court hearing, a warrant for your arrest may also be issued.

Delete an arrest warrant

How you will obtain your arrest warrant will depend entirely on the nature of your case. There are cases where your attorney can approve the court order simply by contacting court personnel. This does not require you to appear in person to defend yourself.
However, there are other cases in which only a judge is authorized to approve an arrest warrant. Typically, these are the cases where probation violations are involved.

How long does it take to clear an arrest warrant?

The amount of time it takes to expunge an arrest warrant also depends on the nature of your case. In most cases, it is possible to resolve cases after regular court business hours or on weekends. You may have to appear in person in court, depending on how long the order has been pending. In California, warrant expungement policies vary from court to court.