PRESS RELEASES - NOVEMBER 2008

November 5, 2008

Arlington Warrant Roundup is November 10-14
Individuals with Outstanding Warrants Can Be Found on City Website

Who: City of Arlington

What: Warrant Roundup

When: November 10 - 14

Where: In the city limits of Arlington

Why: Arlington has more than 74,000 outstanding warrants.

Background
The Arlington Warrant Roundup is about compliance with the orders of the court, according to Municipal Court Director David Preciado. Failure to appear before the court is a violation of the law. Violators are encouraged to clear outstanding warrants and avoid arrest. In October, the city’s Warrant Division mailed more than 6,000 letters to Arlington residents about their outstanding warrants.

Log on to www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt/warrantlistings for an alphabetized listing of individuals with outstanding warrants in Arlington.

Please note: Municipal Court will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 27-29. Regular hours will resume Monday, Dec. 1.

How to clear an outstanding warrant:

1. Pay by phone at 1-888-604-7888.

2. Pay online at www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt.

3. Visit the new Arlington Municipal Court is located in the City Tower at 101 S. Mesquite Street in downtown Arlington. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday.

4. Pay at any authorized payment location in Arlington. Locations are listed on the city’s website at www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt.

5. Place payment in after-hours drop box at the Ott Cribbs Public Safety Building located at 620 W. Division St.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Arlington Warrant Roundup

When is the Warrant Roundup?
November 10-14, 2008

How many cities are participating?
Arlington is the only city participating in this Roundup.

Why is this roundup being done?
Arlington has more than 74,000 outstanding warrants. The warrant roundup is about accountability and compliance with the orders of the court. Failure to appear before the court is a violation of the law. It is not too late to avoid arrest. Individuals with outstanding warrants are encouraged to contact Municipal Court.

What can I do to avoid arrest?
Visit the City of Arlington website at www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt/warrantlistings.html. Individuals with outstanding warrants from Arlington are alphabetically listed. Pay by phone at 1-888-604-7888 or online on the City’s website. You can also visit the new Arlington Municipal Court at 101 S. Mesquite Street in downtown Arlington and pay the amount owed, post a bond or request an appointment for a Judge’s Walk-in appearance. Municipal Court has authorized payment locations throughout the city, and many are open seven days a week. To find a location close to you, visit www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt/warrantlistings.html

What if a person is not arrested during the Roundup?
Efforts to gain compliance with the law will not end with the Warrant Roundup. Arlington Police will actively continue to serve warrants and make arrests. Some individuals might even find it difficult to renew their driver’s license if they have outstanding traffic tickets or warrants. If you have received a citation, do not ignore it.