I live in Texas and got a traffic citation in Louisiana. Will a warrant go out for my arrest in Texas if I do not pay it?
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I live in Texas and got a traffic citation in Louisiana. Will a warrant go out for my arrest in Texas if I do not pay it?
I actually will pay the ticket, but it will be past the due date and the court
house does not accept payment arrangements or defensive driving. I have to pay
it on the due date, but I know it will not happen right away due to other
obligations.
Asked on August 9, 2016 under General Practice, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If you do not pay a citation, a warrant can and most likely be issued for your arrest. However, how long the warrant will be active depends on the state where you received the traffic citation.
Some states and/or jurisdictions will dismiss a case are three or so years under the theory of 'speedy trial.' Other states and/or jurisdictions are a bit more tenacious and will simply let it linger out there until the citation is paid.
A majority of states will not extradite you to the citing state for a simple traffic ticket. However, if it remains active, it will still be a nuisance as you could be arrested multiple times. After you are arrested, they police can take you to the local jail and hold you until the citing state decides to decline or extradite you. They may never extradite... but the process of being arrested will never be convenient.
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