Sioux Falls, SD asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota

Q: How do I initiate a court hearing to take care of a warrant without turning myself in?

Need to set up a court hearing without turning myself in. Case is in MN, I reside in SD and have absolutely no way there. I was “formally charged” by complaint warrant for a crime I did not commit. I have stable job, stable home, and have absolutely no way to get to MN to even do such as I do not have a vehicle anymore. Any advice greatly appreciated.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Saint Cloud, MN
  • Licensed in Minnesota

A: Your only option is to get an attorney on board. But if you are innocent, the matter will likely require a trial. That means coming back to MN.

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Licensed in Minnesota

A: Generally, the way to clear an arrest warrant is to get booked into jail on the warrant. That will clear the warrant immediately. Most warrants are "body only." But some Minnesota warrants may have a pre-set bail on the warrant. For those, you can post the bail to clear the warrant and get a court date. But then you can get another Failure-to-Appear warrant if you miss that court date. Some people choose to simply live with the warrant, and try not to get arrested in the meantime. This is the kind of issue best discussed on the phone (or in person) with a criminal defense lawyer like me.

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