How do I take care of a DUI warrant?
Question Details:
I got a DUI almost 2 1/2 years ago. I went to court once for it and pleaded no contest. The court issued classes and community service. The only problem with that is that I was unemployed, so not knowing too much about the law I was scared to go back to my next court date without proof of completing either or. Now I have a warrant and I'm not sure where to go from here. This was my first legal offense ever. Can anyone help me out with some advice? I'm really desperate to get my driving privileges back and my record cleared off.
The short answer here is that sooner or later, you will have to pay the piper. In the least, this means that you will have to complete all the original conditions of your probation such as classes, community service and payment of fines. Because you did not satisfy such requirements, you are also likely in violation of probation, meaning that the court may require you to jump additional hoops. The bad news is that this may mean some jail time. The good news is that a good lawyer can probably help you avoid such a result or otherwise help you lessen the blows of additional punishment.
My advice is you hire one - and that you do it as soon as possible.
If on the other hand, you want to represent yourself (which I don't recommend), to get the process started, you can go into the court that sentenced you and request a hearing. Be warned, however, if you do decide to do this, you might find yourself put in jail as soon as you get in front of the judge (one of the many benefits of hiring a lawyer is that in the least, you wouldn't have to appear on that first hearing, which will buy you some time).
However you decide to approach the situation, keep in mind it's not just going to go away on its own. You should get the process started as soon as possible.
