Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

When a misdemeanor warrant is issued, it means a judge has authorized law enforcement to arrest you for a lower-level criminal offense. The warrant remains active until you are arrested or appear in court to resolve it. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, a warrant can still lead to being taken into custody, held in jail, and facing additional penalties for failing to appear or comply with court orders.

Why a Misdemeanor Warrant Is Issued

Judges issue misdemeanor warrants for several reasons, including,

• Failure to appear – Missing a court date for a misdemeanor charge.
• Unpaid fines – Not paying court-ordered fines or fees on time.
• Probation violations – Breaking conditions of probation, such as missing check-ins or failing a drug test.
• New charges – Being accused of a new misdemeanor offense, like shoplifting or simple assault.

Once issued, the warrant authorizes any law enforcement officer to arrest you at any time, even during a traffic stop or routine police contact.

What Happens After a Warrant Is Issued

When a misdemeanor warrant is active, police can detain you and take you to jail. You may be booked and held until you post bail or appear before a judge. Depending on the court’s schedule, this could mean spending several hours or even a day or two in custody.

• For minor misdemeanors, you may be released on your own recognizance (a promise to appear in court).
• For more serious misdemeanors, you may have to post a small bond before being released.

How to Handle a Misdemeanor Warrant

The best way to deal with a misdemeanor warrant is to address it immediately before being arrested. You or your attorney can contact the court to confirm the warrant and request a hearing date to clear it.

• Turn yourself in – Voluntarily appearing in court shows good faith and can reduce penalties.
• Hire a defense attorney – They can negotiate a recall or quash of the warrant and sometimes appear on your behalf.
• Post bond – If the warrant includes a bond amount, paying it may lift the warrant and set a new court date.

Ignoring the warrant can lead to unexpected arrest at work, home, or during a traffic stop, often resulting in higher fines or additional charges.

Possible Penalties

If you are arrested on a misdemeanor warrant, you will be required to appear in court to address the original charge and possibly face added penalties for missing court or failing to pay fines. These can include,

• Additional fines or fees
• Probation extension
• Suspension of the driver’s license
• Jail time for contempt or repeated violations

A misdemeanor warrant authorizes police to arrest you for missing court or violating orders. You can often resolve it by turning yourself in, paying a bond, or working through your attorney before being arrested.