Outstanding Warrants in Texas

An active warrant is a clock that does not stop ticking. Whether it is a missed traffic ticket or a felony arrest warrant, the longer it sits, the more it costs you. Bret W. Schmidt helps clients confront warrants safely and on their own terms.

If you have an outstanding warrant in Texas, you have a problem that will only get worse with time. The good news is that warrants can almost always be addressed without an unexpected arrest at home, work, or a routine traffic stop. The first step is talking to an experienced attorney before law enforcement finds you first.

01

Common types of warrants

Different warrants carry different risks and require different strategies. Knowing which kind you are facing changes everything about how the case is handled.

  • Arrest warrant: issued when a magistrate finds probable cause to believe you committed a specific crime.
  • Bench warrant: issued by a judge when you fail to appear for a court date or violate a court order.
  • Capias / capias pro fine: issued for unpaid fines, missed payments, or failure to comply with a sentence.
  • Traffic and Class C warrants: issued by municipal courts for unresolved tickets, unpaid fines, or missed appearances.
  • Probation violation warrant: issued when a probation officer alleges you have broken the terms of your supervision.
02

What happens if you ignore a warrant

Hoping a warrant goes away is the worst possible strategy. Texas warrants do not expire. They can be served at the worst possible time: at your home in front of your family, at your job, or on a routine traffic stop that turns into an arrest and a holding cell.

Ignoring a warrant can also lead to additional charges (failure to appear, bond forfeiture, contempt) and can quietly drive up the eventual bond amount. The earlier we engage with the court, the more leverage we have.

03

How an attorney can resolve a warrant

In many cases, an attorney can address a warrant without you ever spending a night in jail. Depending on the type of warrant and the underlying charge, options include:

  • Negotiated walk-through or surrender at a time you choose
  • Pre-set bond arranged before you appear
  • Motion to lift or recall the warrant
  • Reset of missed court dates and clearance of related charges
  • Payment plan or community service in lieu of fines
  • Probation reinstatement instead of revocation
04

Take the next step before law enforcement does

If you suspect you may have a warrant, or you have already been notified of one, do not wait. Talk to a criminal defense attorney first, get a clear picture of what you are facing, and resolve it on your terms.

Call the Law Office of Bret W. Schmidt at (214) 526-1100 for a confidential consultation. Initial calls are private and judgment-free.

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This guy is the BEST! He is so helpful, HONEST and dependable. Bret Schmidt is an outstanding attorney. The justice system is intimidating, but if you need help from an honest person and great lawyer, Bret is the best one out there.
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Contact Dallas Attorney Bret W. Schmidt today.

When you work with attorney Bret W. Schmidt, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have an experienced criminal law attorney advocating for your best interests. As your attorney, he will take the time to get to know you, answer your questions and help you understand the criminal justice process. When you choose the Law Office of Bret W. Schmidt, you are more than just a client number.

If you or someone close to you needs a Dallas criminal defense or civil asset forfeiture attorney, schedule an initial consultation by calling the Law Office of Bret W. Schmidt today.

Call (214) 526-1100 Email Bret directly