What to Do If You Have a Natrona County Warrant

Seek Guidance from a Qualified Natrona County Criminal Defense Attorney

Your first instinct might be to panic if you find out that you have a warrant for your arrest.

You might be confused as to what to do next.

Running and hiding or even ignoring the warrant might seem like the best thing to do.

These feelings are perfectly natural and in line with our fight or flight response.

However, ignoring a legal problem is never a good option.

Meanwhile, running and hiding could only make matters worse for you and your family.

People around you might offer advice.

Although family and friends might have your best interest at heart, they might give you information that hurts you in the long run.

Therefore, the only advice you can trust comes from a highly qualified and experienced Wyoming criminal defense lawyer.

Why Do I Have a Warrant for My Arrest?

Police and courts in Wyoming issue arrest warrants for a variety of reasons. Common reasons people face arrest warrants include:

• The police believe you committed a crime;
• You defaulted on a court appearance;
• You violated a term of your pre-trial release;
• The probation department alleges you violated probation; or
• You failed to satisfy a monetary order of the court, like paying a fine or restitution.

No matter the reason you have a Natrona County arrest warrant, these are serious legal matters. As a result, consulting a Wyoming criminal defense lawyer with a reputation for aggressively protecting people’s rights will give you your best defense when you go to court to remove the warrant.

Court-Issued Warrants in Natrona County

In Natrona County, courts classify warrants as either pre-adjudication or post-adjudication. Either way, having a warrant means the police can arrest you at almost any time, no matter where they find you.

Pre-adjudication warrants arise if you allegedly violated an order of pretrial release. A judge can issue a pre-adjudication warrant based on a motion filed by the prosecution called a petition to show cause.

The prosecution usually asks the court to issue an arrest warrant because they argue you violated a term of release. Orders of release commonly issued by courts, in addition to posting bond, include:

• Stay away/no contact orders;
• Remain drug/alcohol free;
• Take random drug tests;
• Attend counseling; and
• Do not get rearrested.

Post-adjudication warrants refer to warrants issued by the court for a probation violation or failure to follow a court order. For example, you may have failed to pay an installment for a fine or not completed a DUI class.

You might have a warrant for your arrest for other reasons. You might have an arrest warrant because you did not pay child support or the police claim that you committed a new crime.

No matter the situation, talk to a savvy Wyoming criminal defense lawyer before it is too late.

How Do You Find Out About Natrona County Warrants?

You can search for your name on the Natrona County warrants list if you think you might have a warrant issued by either the 7th Judicial District or 7th Judicial Circuit Court. The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office updates the list daily. However, the sheriff’s office maintains only the Natrona County warrant list. It does not include a statewide or nationwide search.

You might learn that you have a warrant from other sources. The police might go by an old address of yours. You could also find out that the State suspended your driver license or your concealed carry permit. The court may notify you by mail as well. You might even learn about a warrant if someone, such as a new employer, runs a background check on you.

Unfortunately, many people find out they have a warrant at the wrong time. People are often caught off guard when police pull them over for speeding. Additionally, sheriff’s deputies could arrest someone at work or in a public place like a shopping mall. Officers have no discretion. They must take you into custody and bring you to court if they learn about your warrant.

I Saw My Name on the Natrona County Warrants List; What Should I Do Now?

You need to act quickly. The first step you need to take is to call a criminal defense lawyer dedicated to protecting people’s rights. You might not know precisely why the court issued a warrant for your arrest. A criminal defense lawyer with a wealth of experience will help you learn more about the warrant. Then you and your lawyer can come up with a plan to minimize the intrusion an arrest warrant could have on your life.

Simply waiting for police to catch you, appearing in court to remove a warrant, or surrendering to the sheriff’s office without talking with a lawyer first could backfire. Instead, securing representation right away gives you some opportunity to take control of your situation. Your lawyer might talk to the prosecution about your warrant and agree on what should happen when you go to court. The prosecution might require you to post an additional bond or add further orders of release. At the very least, your attorney can arrange for you to come to court instead of the police arresting you.

Having a plan will also give you some time to take care of personal matters such as childcare, informing your employer, and gathering funds to post a bond.

Take Control of Your Situation If You Have a Natrona County Warrant

Having a warrant for your arrest is not the end of the world, but you need to act. Otherwise, you could lose control over your life in a flash. At Cowboy Country Criminal Defense, we understand that mistakes happen. We’ve helped hundreds of clients who found themselves in a situation like you do now.

We vow to do our best to help you resolve your warrant quickly and efficiently so you can go on with your life. Contact Cowboy Country Criminal Defense attorney Jeremy Hugus and his team immediately online or by calling 307-333-7884 for your best shot at freedom.