DWI -- What Happens When Absent From Trial?

[EvilWizard]

What is the name of your state? New Jersey

Approx. 7 years ago a family member was arrested for DWI. Unfortunately this occurred during a period of time that he was scheduled to move out of state. The initial trial kept getting delayed and because of school starting he wound up moving out of state and not being able to attend the trial in person when it occurred. I would guess he was found guilty in absentia, but what would happen after that. His fear was that a warrant for arrest was issued, but he has been pulled over a number of times in states outside of NJ such as Arizona and Virginia and no action was taken by the officer other than a warning for a tail light being out and such... I was under the impression that warrants were linked through a national database and that a stop in any state would lead to arrest if an actual warrant was issued. From other posts I have read on similar subjects it appears that warrants do not typically expire so I am wondering what the best way is for him to proceed? Is there a way to check to see if a warrant for arrest has been issued for him in NJ online? (And Yes we all know he is an idiot for driving drunk in the first place).

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: so I am wondering what the best way is for him to proceed?

A: You need to surrender in New Jersey.

 

[EvilWizard]

It is my brother actually and what I would initially like to know before telling him he should surrender is if there is a place to check for existing warrants and if there is a warrant does its existance show up in all states when an officer runs a license check?

Thanks for the initial advice Seniorjudge.

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: what I would initially like to know before telling him he should surrender is if there is a place to check for existing warrants

A: Yes, ask the court clerk of the court where he was supposed to appear.


Q: if there is a warrant does its existance show up in all states when an officer runs a license check?

A: I have no idea what shows up on cops' databases in all states. The one I am familiar with does show all wants and warrants.