Q: How can I clean my record of a 12 year old misdemeanor warrant on very limited funds

A: First, the proper procedure is to file a motion to quash a warrant. This is a document that very often the circuit court clerk has a form for in the office. You should visit the clerk of the county in which you have the warrant. Fill out the form and set a court date for the motion to quash. Most of the time, warrants for arrest are the product of failing to appear at a court date and this will resolve it because you are remedying the issue. If your warrant is unrelated to a failure to appear, I would suggest visiting another attorney and asking them as I cannot guarantee this will resolve it. The clerk MAY require an additional motion to vacate a failure to appear or bond forfeiture judgment. Confirm this with them when you file the motion. As for cost, each motion costs approximately $30-55.

In order to file the motion, you will need to know about the warrant. You can call the sheriff's office in the county and they will inform you of any warrants and give you information on them.

Lastly, if your warrant was for failing to appear, appearing in court on it will treat the case as if you appeared on the day you show up. You should have a good reason for the failure to appear to give to the judge when you appear. Also, you should have, in your back pocket, enough cash to pay the bond on the warrant JUST IN CASE. Most times when you come for a warrant on a case this old, it won't be a problem quashing the warrant.

If any of this is unclear, remember that attorneys often offer free consultations so this is a way to probe for more information. Additionally, you may choose to hire one as the cost may be as low as a few hundred dollars to resolve a warrant.

Hope that helps!