Courts, Legal Basics

questions & answers

Question: I just found out I have a warrant for failure to appear.  If I were to go down to warrant court, would I be arrested while I was there?

Answer: Failure to appear warrants carry different penalties depending on the type of crime involved. Failure to appear in the second degree applies when a person is required by law to appear in connection with any misdemeanor or petty offense and such person knowingly fails to appear as required. A.R.S. 13-2506.  Failure to appear in the second degree is a class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by up to six months imprisonment. A.R.S. 13-707(A)(1).  Failure to appear in the first degree applies if a person is required by law to appear in connection with any felony and such person knowingly fails to appear as required. A.R.S. 13-2507.  This is considered a class 5 felony which also carries a prison term.  “A sentence of imprisonment for a felony shall be a definite term of years and the person sentenced, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be committed to the custody of the state department of corrections.” A.R.S. 13-701(A).  The imprisonment term varies depending on a number of factors. A.R.S. 13-702.  To find legal assistance or representation with this matter consult AZLawHelp's Find a Lawyer resources.