How to Clear a Warrant in Ventura County

How Our Criminal Lawyers Can Help if You Have an Arrest Warrant in Ventura

If you have a warrant issued for your arrest in Ventura, in some cases Ridley Defense can appear for you and get the warrant cleared without you having to come to court. No matter why the warrant was issued, Ridley Defense can help. Ventura is one of the toughest counties on crime in Southern California, and they have been known to transport people back to Ventura from out of county and even out of state. Unlike many attorneys, even if the chances are that they want you there in person, we are willing to make an attempt without you present.

If you suspect that you have a warrant or have unfulfilled court requirements, contact Ridley Defense immediately. We can investigate whether you have an outstanding warrant and why it was issued. We will also strategize with you about arranging for bail in advance to reduce the amount of time you are in custody. We proactively plan it all out with you before you ever step foot in the courtroom. Contact our offices at 805.208.1866 today to discuss your situation in a free consultation.

Why Ridley Defense

Our attorneys know the Ventura court. Attorney Doug Ridley is a former Ventura County Deputy District Attorney, teaches Criminal Trial Preparation at Pepperdine University School of Law, and is a featured legal expert on ABC Eyewitness News. With over 22 years of experience, he and his team have helped numerous clients avoid being taken into custody. 

If you are required to appear before the judge in person, we will appear with you and assist in attempting to avoid arrest, bail, or any other negative consequences. Throughout the entire process, we will guide you and stand by your side every step of the way.

Ventura County is Strict and Arrest Warrants Are Tricky

Clearing a warrant can be difficult, particularly in Ventura County. The county is strict, and there are several risks to appearing without an attorney, including that you may be taken directly from the courtroom into custody. While arrest warrants can be issued in a case where someone is suspected of committing a crime, they may also be issued on older cases where someone failed to appear at court or failed to complete a court order. 

In some cases, you may not have even known that you had an outstanding warrant. Our clients often find out about a warrant when they apply for a new job or have a background check completed. Warrants also come up when someone is out of the county or the state and is arrested for a separate offense. 

One of the ways you can check your criminal case status and determine if you have an outstanding warrant is by clicking here and filling in the relevant information. This search is not entirely comprehensive, please feel free to give us a call for additional assistance at no cost.

What are the legal requirements for an arrest warrant in California?

California Penal Code Section 815 requires that a warrant for arrest specify the name of the defendant, time of issuance, and city or county where it was issued. It must be signed by the judge, magistrate, or issuing authority and have the title of his or her office and the name of the court or other issuing agency. If it is a bailable offense, the issuing judge or magistrate must set bail at an amount that is “reasonable and sufficient for the appearance of the defendant following his arrest.”

Why Are Warrants Issued?

Warrants can be issued for several reasons. In most instances, a person is arrested for a crime observed by a law enforcement officer. They may be cited and released or may be taken into custody at the scene of the crime. If an officer did not witness a crime but has conducted an investigation and determined that there is reasonable ground to believe that a person has committed it, a warrant may be issued for their arrest. 

A warrant may also be issued for:

• Failure to appear at court
• Unpaid fees or fines
• Failure to enroll or complete a court-mandated program
• Failure to complete community service
• Failure to install an ignition interlock device

Failure to appear at a mandatory court appearance is a common issue. Often, the court may have an outdated address for a person and will send out a notice to appear. A person can go months without knowing that there is an outstanding warrant for their arrest, particularly if they have moved out of the county or out of state. Warrants, however, do not merely go away; they must be handled.

What happens if I move out of state?

Warrants do not resolve themselves. If you move out of the county or the state, you will still have an outstanding warrant on your case. Whether you are out of the county, state, or even the country, our attorneys can work with you to clear a warrant. Spending all day at the Ventura courthouse is simply not an option for most people. We understand that your time is valuable, and we will do everything we can to get your warrant recalled quickly.

Contact Ridley Defense Today

If you need a warrant recalled out of the Ventura courthouse, we can help. Our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully getting warrants recalled and quashed without additional penalties. At Ridley Defense, we are committed to providing you the best representation. Our clients are our priority. We return calls and always keep you updated on your case. Find out how we are doing things differently by calling 805.208.1866.