January 25, 2016 - Have you heard about The Great Texas Warrant Roundup? Every year for the past ten years, the state of Texas has sponsored the Roundup, with more than 300 jurisdictions taking part in the Roundup as of 2015. The 2016 Roundup is just around the corner! Although no official dates for the 2016 Roundup have been announced, we can assume, from past years, the 2016 Roundup may likely take place between the third week of February and the third week in March. Historically, there are usually two weeks at the end of February designated as the amnesty or grace period of the Roundup. Then during the first 2-3 weeks in March, the enforcement phase begins. During the enforcement phase, the primary focus of law enforcement will be to arrest those whose names are on the outstanding warrant list.
Because of this, all those with outstanding warrants are strongly encouraged to post a bond, then pay their tickets. While this might seem like the best way to take care of the situation, don’t forget there is significant financial incentive for agencies to encourage you to do just that. The city of Houston typically brings in between $1 and $2.5 million in fines and fees during the Roundup. Across the state of Texas, the combined amount is close to $20 million. Houston police officers will arrest between 3,000 and 5,000 residents who neglected to take the Roundup seriously. Further, while the concerted sweep of the Roundup may end in March, those who somehow escaped detection during this time should definitely not breathe a sigh of relief and continue on.
Those individuals are still subject to arrest, and the city of Houston has some pretty sophisticated technology on its side to bring these warrant-evaders in. An electronic license plate recognition device is being used, which can accurately read hundreds of license plates each minute, flagging all those with outstanding warrants. Officials in charge of the Warrant Roundup claim the program is only meant to encourage those with outstanding warrants to resolve their case before they suffer a humiliating arrest. While the city of Houston does attempt to notify those with outstanding warrants, smaller municipalities may or may not have the resources to do so.
What Could Happen if You Pay Your Tickets
If you have an outstanding warrant, you may owe the warrant charge, you may have a second charge of Failure to Appear, and you will have to pay the fines and fees associated with the underlying tickets. You may also be subject to surcharges tacked on by the state of Texas which can be from $100 to $1,000 per year annually for three years or more. While it is relatively simply—if you have the cash—to pay all your fines and fees, walking away with a clear conscience, you may not be fully aware of the many repercussions associated with this action. You will receive a conviction for the traffic citations, which will trigger points on your driving record and a notation on your criminal record. You could find your insurance premiums jump alarmingly, or you could be dropped altogether, leaving you without car insurance.
An Alternative to Paying Your Tickets
You could pay your tickets and suffer all the consequences listed above, or you could call Sullo & Sullo, allowing an attorney from our firm to post a bond on your behalf, then deal with the original traffic citations, with a goal of preventing points on your driver’s license or a black mark on your criminal record. While it is understandable you are fearful and anxious, take decisive action by contacting an experienced Sullo & Sullo attorney today—we can help all those in the following jurisdictions:
Houston Municipal Court
Jersey Village Municipal Court
Sugarland Municipal Court
Stafford Municipal Court
Missouri City Municipal Court
Pasadena Municipal Court
City of South Houston Municipal Court
Baytown Municipal Court
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 1
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 1
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 1
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 2
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 7, Place 2
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8, Place 1
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8, Place 2