stuckintexas
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Texas, but case in CA
I was informed today that police had been to my parents' house in CA with a warrant for my arrest. I'm sure that the warrant is in relation to a few years ago, when I was arrested for shoplifting. I was young and irresposible, and did not finish paying my fines, nor did I go to the follow-up court date. I realize that it was completely stupid of me, and I want to get it fixed.
How do I know whether the warrant is for nonpayment of fines or for a missed court date? Could it be for both things, or would that require two seperate warrants? I know the first thing I need to do is call the county I was arrested in, and I plan to do it on Monday. Will they give me that information?
Also, I know I will most likely need a lawyer to facilitate turning myself in without going to jail (the "walk-through.") I absolutely cannot afford one, so I'm going to try and get a public defender. Can I get a public defender in Texas (where I'm currently living) or do I have to get one that works in the county I was arrested in? If so, can one in TX at least advise me even though I'd need one from CA to represent me in court? If I can't do anything through a lawyer here, is it likely that I can get everything set up with a CA lawyer over the phone? I know I'll most likely have to fly back to CA to get this all dealt with, and I can't afford more than one trip.
Thank you for your help.
I was informed today that police had been to my parents' house in CA with a warrant for my arrest. I'm sure that the warrant is in relation to a few years ago, when I was arrested for shoplifting. I was young and irresposible, and did not finish paying my fines, nor did I go to the follow-up court date. I realize that it was completely stupid of me, and I want to get it fixed.
How do I know whether the warrant is for nonpayment of fines or for a missed court date? Could it be for both things, or would that require two seperate warrants? I know the first thing I need to do is call the county I was arrested in, and I plan to do it on Monday. Will they give me that information?
Also, I know I will most likely need a lawyer to facilitate turning myself in without going to jail (the "walk-through.") I absolutely cannot afford one, so I'm going to try and get a public defender. Can I get a public defender in Texas (where I'm currently living) or do I have to get one that works in the county I was arrested in? If so, can one in TX at least advise me even though I'd need one from CA to represent me in court? If I can't do anything through a lawyer here, is it likely that I can get everything set up with a CA lawyer over the phone? I know I'll most likely have to fly back to CA to get this all dealt with, and I can't afford more than one trip.
Thank you for your help.