Warrants
What is a warrant? Is it different than a writ or a commitment?
A WRIT is a written order issued by a Judge and commanding a person to perform or cease performing some specific act. Warrants and commitments are specific types of writ.
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Why was a warrant issued for me?
A warrant may be issued for a variety of reasons. In some situations, a warrant will be issued if you did not appear for your initial court date and you need to enter a plea to the charge against you. In other situations, your case has become overdue and your failure to pay may result in jail time. Before you may be jailed, the Judge will issue a warrant to order you to appear to discuss the judgment or your ability to pay.
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Are there different kinds of warrants?
Yes. If a citation was filed with the Court and indicates that you were not personally served with it, the Judge will issue a REGULAR WARRANT to compel you to come to court and enter a plea to the charge.
If you were found guilty by default, because you did not appear for your scheduled court date, and your case becomes overdue, the Judge will issue a BENCH WARRANT to compel you to come to court and receive notice of the judgment against you. If you are already aware of the judgment and the case becomes overdue and carries jail time for failure to pay it, the Judge will issue an ARREST WARRANT to compel you to come to court and discuss your ability to pay.
If you received a notice of a warrant and are unsure of the kind of warrant, you can call the Court at (414) 286-3800 to get additional information.
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How do I find out if I have any warrants?
You can search case information or call the Court at (414) 286-3800.
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How can I get my warrant(s) lifted?
A REGULAR WARRANT can be lifted by either making a full payment on the case (which will result in a default judgment being entered against you) or appearing in court to enter a plea.
A BENCH or ARREST WARRANT can be lifted by making a payment on the case. Building and zoning cases require at least a $50 payment. All other cases require at least $20. Only a Judge can lift these warrants.
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Will I be arrested if I have a warrant?
You will not be arrested for coming to court to speak to a Judge, make a payment or simply get information about your case. Otherwise, if you are stopped by law enforcement, you will be formally served and required to agree to a future court date to appear in front of a Judge on your case. In some situations, law enforcement may also have other reasons to detain and arrest you.
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How can I confirm my warrants have been lifted?
You can search case information to check your status. Please note that payments made to the Court’s collection agency or on its website may not be processed until the following business day.
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