If I have bench warrants worth a total of $200 in fines for failing to appear in court and for failing to pay fines, how do I go about having these cleared?
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If I have bench warrants worth a total of $200 in fines for failing to appear in court and for failing to pay fines, how do I go about having these cleared?
They were issued over 2 years ago and I have not been in trouble since.
Asked on February 10, 2016 under Criminal Law, New Mexico
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The fact is that warrants do not expire, so you are right to take care of this. And the sooner the better. Not only will this impair your ability to get a job, if stopped by the police for even a minor infraction you will be taken into custody. You'll need to go to court and appear before a judge. What you really should do is to consult directly with a criminal law attorney in the area of where the warrants were issued. They can use their contacts within the court sysytem to your best advantage. If money is still an issue for you, see if there is a law school nearby; they typically run free/low cost legal clinics. You can also contact the local or state bar assocoiation to see if they have a lsit of attorneys who will handle your cost "pro bono" (i.e. for free). You can also contact legal aid or see if you are eligable for a public defender.
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