July 10, 2009

Arlington Warrant Roundup Begins July 13

Who: City of Arlington

What: Warrant Roundup

When: July 13-18

Where: Arlington

Why: To clear outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants on file in Arlington Municipal Court

Background

This summer’s Warrant Roundup targets violators with Class C misdemeanor warrants. The roundup begins Monday, July 13, and ends Saturday, July 18. Arlington has more than 82,000 outstanding warrants.

Failure to appear before the court is a violation of the law, according to Arlington Municipal Court Director David Preciado. Violators are urged to clear outstanding warrants and avoid arrest.

Arrests can occur in the home, place of business or wherever individuals are found. A listing of individuals with outstanding warrants is posted on the City’s web site. Log on to www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt/warrantlistings.html for an alphabetized listing.

Here’s how to clear an outstanding warrant:

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

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

3. Appear at Arlington Municipal Court, located in the City Tower at 101 S. Mesquite Street. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Court is also open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the Warrant Roundup

When is the Warrant Roundup?
July 13-18, 2009

What is the purpose of the roundup?
To clear thousands of outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants in the city. Many of the warrants are traffic related. Arlington has more than 82,000 outstanding warrants. The warrant roundup is about 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.

How can I avoid arrest?
Visit the City of Arlington web site at www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt/warrantlistings.html. Individuals with outstanding warrants from Arlington are alphabetically listed. The list is updated every Monday. Individuals can pay by phone at 1-888-604-7888 or online at www.arlingtontx.gov/municipalcourt. Individuals can also visit Arlington Municipal Court at 101 S. Mesquite Street in downtown Arlington and pay the amount owed or post a bond to receive an appointment for a walk-in appearance to see a judge. The City of Arlington 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 I am 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. Arrests can occur in the home, place of business or wherever individuals are found. Some 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.