How can I confirm there is a Tennessee arrest warrant with my name on it?
Tennessee does not yet have a state-wide warrants database, so you must search county criminal court databases online, or check the police or sheriff’s department website for their warrant database. If you have heard or have reason to believe that there is an arrest warrant with your name on it, you would be wise to find out the details so that you can resolve it.
What’s the first thing to do after I learn I have a Tennessee arrest warrant?
Your first step after confirming the warrant should be to contact a local criminal defense attorney to represent you. They can help you find out why the warrant was issued, tell which judge you must appear before, and devise the smartest strategy to address the warrant. Without knowing the nature of the warrant, it is impossible to say whether you will be able to resolve the pending charges it without going to jail.
Unless you are dealing with a case of identity theft, you likely know what the warrant is for. Appearing with a criminal defense lawyer communicates to the judge that you are serious about resolving the issue, and you have a legal advisor to make sure that you do not make any further missteps.
How do I cancel a misdemeanor warrant in TN?
If the warrant was for a misdemeanor such as failure to appear, probation violation, failure to complete a court ordered program, pay a traffic fine, child support or alimony, under Tennessee law TN Code § 40-6-206 (2019) there is a five-year statute of limitations for a warrant or summons that has not been served, returned or quashed. If it has been less than five years, you will want to go ahead and get it cleared up. Depending on the nature of the warrant, your attorney may be able to recall it and resolve the case without you having to appear in court.
Can I cancel a felony warrant in TN?
Your felony warrant will not be recalled, and you will be required to appear with your attorney before the judge. This means that you might end up going to jail, and almost definitely will go to jail without the help of counsel. Again, depending on the nature of the offense, your lawyer may be able to arrange for your quick processing and then have you released immediately without the need to spend the night in jail. The judge would assign a court date in the future to resolve your case.
If you are possibly facing criminal charges, you need aggressive advocacy with the highest ethical standards. That is exactly what you will find when you work with the Sevierville criminal defense attorneys at Delius & McKenzie.
Whether you are accused of a serious criminal offense, or a minor traffic infraction, the experience can be alarming and sometimes daunting. You have the presumption of innocence under the law, and an experienced criminal defense attorney from Delius & McKenzie, PLLC can defend that presumption on your behalf. To set up a free consultation with us about your case, call 865-428-8780, or complete our contact form. We are here to serve you in and around Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Seymour, and Pigeon Forge.
Attorney Bryan E. Delius was born and raised in Sevier County, TN. He founded Delius & McKenzie more than 20 years ago, after receiving his JD from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is admitted in Tennessee and in several federal court systems. Learn more about Bryan E. Delius.