Walk It Through: The Arrest and the Morning After
A warrant for a missed court date, a question in the squad car, a phone at booking, and release in the morning.
Two officers stop a person leaving work and say there is a warrant for an arrest over a missed court date.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
An arrest on a warrant for a missed court date. The underlying charge, an appointed lawyer, and a probation violation are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Personal recognizanceRelease before trial on a promise to appear, which a bailable defendant gets unless the magistrate decides it will not assure appearance or will jeopardize someone's safety.
- Simple misdemeanorThe lowest level of public offense, carrying a fine of $105 to $855, with up to 30 days in jail in place of or beside the fine.