QUESTION
If I have a warrant out for my arrest because I missed a court date, can I still avoid jail?
Asked on Feb 17th, 2015 on Criminal Law - Utah
More details to this question:
In December of 2013 I failed an alcohol sting at my job and was fired then charged with selling to a minor. I made my first court date and asked the judge for a retrial for a later date. I moved to a different state and started a new job. I called the Prosecuting attorney and left a message on her voice mail saying that there was no way I could make my court date. I had just started a new job and didn't want to miss time off so soon and that I had no way of getting back up to Utah. I told her I'll plead guilty because I don't want to deal with this anymore. So here it is a year later and I find out I can't get another job because there is a warrant out for my arrest in Utah. Is there anything I can do to avoid jail time? I have a family to take care of that needs me. What are my options? And how can I go about taking care of this matter? Thank you!
3 ANSWERS
Sex Crime Attorney serving Salt Lake City, UT
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Jefferson and Biggs
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Yes, hire an attorney to motion the court to pull the warrant and set a new court date.
Answered on Feb 18th, 2015 at 1:59 PM
1 Award
Maybe. Depending on your criminal history a judge may recall the warrant after you make a court appearance (or hire an attorney to make an appearance for you). After the warrant is recalled, you can then take care of the charge for selling to a minor, which also may or may not carry a risk of jail time. For best results, hire an attorney to help you avoid jail.
Answered on Feb 18th, 2015 at 1:59 PM
Estate Planning Attorney serving Provo, UT
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Randy M. Lish, Attorney at Law
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If the judge set bail, you can avoid jail by posting the bail. If it was a no-bail warrant, you cannot avoid jail. You may be able to retain an attorney who get a review of the bail order without you being present.
Answered on Feb 18th, 2015 at 1:57 PM