It’s that time of year once again—time for the Great Texas Warrant Roundup where those with outstanding warrants can come forward—ostensibly with no repercussions—pay their fines and go back to their lives. Some seventy jurisdictions in the Houston area will begin arresting those with outstanding traffic warrants after a period of announcements throughout Harris County. The Houston Warrant Roundup officially kicks off on Saturday, February 11, 2012. If you’ve been the recipient of a Harris County traffic ticket, take notice!
Once the roundup period begins, law enforcement personnel will aggressively target those on the list and serve City of Houston warrants at any time, whether you are at home, at work or at school. While the Constable’s office has been making the effort to notify those with outstanding warrants via mail, by notices left on the door of their home, or by phone, if you suspect you might have an outstanding warrant in Houston and have not received notice, do some further checking. After the “grace” period of a couple of weeks, the portion of the roundup which focuses on arresting those with outstanding warrants begins on February 25th.
Results of 2011 Warrant Roundup
Last March, the 2011 Great Texas Warrant Roundup was responsible for clearing almost 30,000 outstanding local warrants in Harris County. These city of Houston warrants were primarily for traffic tickets for which the recipient failed to appear in court. Although thousands of people came forward to pay their outstanding fines and ensure the warrant for their arrest was no longer in effect, over 4,000 people were arrested in their homes, at work or at school. Each year the residents of Harris County—as well as over 200 other participating jurisdictions across the state of Texas—have the opportunity to avoid an embarrassing arrest and come forward to pay their fines. Last year’s roundup netted the city of Houston more than $2.5 million dollars in fines, and this year they are expecting similar numbers.
How You Could End up In Handcuffs
You may have received a ticket on a Class C misdemeanor charge which is generally something like speeding, running a stop sign, having an expired inspection or registration ticket, running a red light or other relatively minor traffic infractions. Not all Texas traffic violations fall under the Class C misdemeanor charge, however. More serious traffic violations which involve property damage, any type of personal injury or intoxication will likely fall under the more serious Class A or B misdemeanor or felony. Automated traffic ticket violations such as red light camera tickets are considered a Class C misdemeanor.
A violation which falls under the Class C misdemeanor is punishable only by a fine, and while it is classified as a criminal offense, it is at the least serious end of the spectrum. Traffic citations usually include an appearance date where you will appear before a judge and enter your plea. Should you choose to mail in the fine without protesting the charge then the result is a conviction which can result in additional points on your driving record, state or local surcharges, license suspension, an increase in insurance premiums, and other consequences related to your job or your personal life. If you’ve neglected a traffic ticket in Houston, don’t wait and hope nothing happens. There’s a good chance there is a Houston warrant with your name on it. You could end up being arrested in front of your co-workers, your family, or on your drive to work, leading to embarrassment and possible work complications.
What To Do If Your Name is On the Warrant List
You may have some idea that you have forgotten to pay a ticket in the past or forgotten to show up for a related court date. If so, it is in your best interests to contact a Houston attorney rather than simply throwing yourself on the mercy of the City of Houston and hoping you can walk away with only an empty wallet. An experienced attorney can post a bond on your behalf which immediately suspends the arrest warrant, placing your traffic ticket back before a judge or jury trial.
Your attorney may also negotiate a plea bargain with the State in order to keep your traffic ticket from becoming a conviction on your record. If your attorney is able to negotiate a deal which will allow you to avoid at least some of the negative consequences of your warrant, you will be much better off than if you simply pay your ticket and hope for the best. Don’t wait any longer. The 2012 Texas Warrant Roundup is here and it’s time to put your mind at ease.