Texas Warrants Lawyer

Types of Warrants in Texas

Bench warrants. Issued by a judge when a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court date. Bench warrants are among the most common warrants and arise frequently from missed court dates on traffic offenses, misdemeanor cases, and felony cases. Once a bench warrant issues, the original case cannot proceed until the defendant appears before the court.

Arrest warrants. Issued by a magistrate upon a sworn complaint establishing probable cause to believe a specific person committed a specific offense. An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take the named person into custody.

Capias warrants. Issued when a defendant fails to comply with conditions of probation or community supervision, or when a fine goes unpaid. Capias warrants are common in cases involving deferred adjudication and straight probation violations.

Capias pro fine. Issued when a fine has not been paid. Frequently issued on Class C misdemeanor cases (traffic tickets and minor offenses) where fines went unpaid and the case was never resolved.

How Warrants Are Resolved

Voluntary surrender. In many cases, a warrant can be resolved without an unplanned arrest. An attorney can arrange for voluntary surrender, appear with the defendant before the magistrate, and advocate for personal recognizance or a reasonable bond amount. Coming in voluntarily (rather than being apprehended) generally reflects favorably in court and may affect the bond decision.

Recalling or quashing the warrant. In some circumstances, a warrant can be recalled or quashed without a surrender. This may be possible when the warrant was issued in error or when the underlying case has been resolved. A recall motion is viable depends on the specific facts of the case.

Addressing the underlying case. A warrant does not resolve the underlying charge. Once the warrant is addressed and the defendant appears before the court, the original case still must be resolved. Understanding what that underlying case involves, and how to position it for the best available outcome, is part of the representation from the outset.

Consequences of an Active Warrant

An active warrant in Texas carries immediate and ongoing consequences:

• Law enforcement can arrest you at any time and at any location
• The warrant appears in background checks and can affect employment, professional licensing, housing applications, and loan approvals.
• Your driver’s license can be suspended or denied renewal when a warrant is active on certain types of cases.
• Failure to address a warrant on an active criminal case prevents the case from proceeding, which may limit the options available to you as time passes and evidence changes.
• A warrant arising from a probation or deferred adjudication violation can result in revocation proceedings, potentially leading to jail or prison time on the original charge.

Why Deandra Grant Law

• 30+ years of criminal defense in North and Central Texas. 500+ trials to verdict.
• Voluntary surrender coordination. We handle the logistics of appearing before the court, advocate for favorable bond terms, and ensure your rights are protected.
• Recall and quash motions. Where the facts support it, we pursue warrant recall without surrender.
• Full-service criminal defense. Resolving the warrant is the first step. We handle the underlying charge through to resolution.
• 17 published law books. Including A First Offender’s Guide to Texas Criminal Courts
• Texas Super Lawyer since 2011. AV® Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.
• Offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Denton, Waco, and Rockwall.

If you have an active warrant in Texas, call (214) 225-7117 for a free, confidential consultation. Or schedule online at texasdwisite.com.