How do I clear a bench warrant in Missouri?
Asked by: Alanna Schaden PhD | Last update: January 7, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)
Cancelling Bench Warrants If a warrant is issued for your arrest, you may appear in person at the customer service counter at the court at 1520 Market to request a hardship cancellation of your warrant without being required to post a cash bond.
How long does a bench warrant last in Missouri?
How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Missouri? Regardless of the type of warrant and the underlying criminal charges, they stay active indefinitely. Unless the person named in the warrant is apprehended or dead, the warrant will always be active.
How do I get rid of a warrant in Missouri?
Arrest warrants will not go away. Once an arrest warrant is issued it is now a court matter. The best thing you can do is turn yourself in and not wait to be arrested and detained by police. Before turning yourself in contact The Watt Law Firm for a free consultation about your case.
Can I pay off my bench warrant?
No. There is no such thing as a payment plan on a cash-alternative warrant. You will need to go to court to quash the warrant.
Can you get a job with a bench warrant?
If you have a bench warrant, then it very well could stop you from getting a job. If you are looking at a position that requires a security clearance, then you need to get the bench warrant taken care of quickly. Unless the job involves making license plates in prison.
How to Get Warrants Recalled in Missouri?
Do warrants show up on rental background checks?
Consumer reporting agencies can only report criminal history that involves convictions; they cannot report information about arrests. Arrest warrants and bench warrants are not part of the criminal record and will not show up on a criminal background check.
Can you just pay a warrant in Missouri?
You must either pay the amount shown in full or appear before the judge during "walk-in" times. You can pay these charges by phone and have the warrant removed without having to appear before the judge. If you have a Capias or Information warrant: You must appear in court during "walk-in" times.
Will I go to jail if I turn myself in for a bench warrant?
If you turn yourself in for a bench warrant, it is possible that you go to jail until you can appear before a judge for a bench warrant hearing.
Can you leave the US with a bench warrant?
Therefore, we advise you not to risk travel with an existing warrant. Any intended traveler inclined to travel out of the country may face detention at the airport by TSA authorities. So, ask your legal advisor to help you design your travel plan prior to booking an air ticket.
How to get a warrant lifted in Missouri?
Come to court with a parent during business hours and ask the Magistrate to set your warrant aside and to get a new court date. The Court will examine your warrant with a prosecutor and your attorney (if you have one) to determine if the warrant should be lifted or executed.
Are bench warrants nationwide?
For more serious offenses, a Judge may issue a nationwide bench warrant that mandates arrest regardless of their location.
How long does it take for a bench warrant to be issued?
Pocket, blue and other bench warrants usually go into effect right away once they're signed. Those sneaky blue warrants or ones judges can approve over the phone immediately usurp the passage of time to process. There are others that may as well but, not be as stringent in terms of pursuing an arrest.
Can you get in trouble if you know someone has a warrant?
Basically, the short answer to this question is YES, if you let the person live in your home and you know that he has a warrant out for his arrest. If you are facing an accessory charge it is imperative to consult a criminal defense attorney.
Are bench warrants bad?
For instance, if an individual neglects to attend a court hearing related to a criminal charge or traffic violation, the judge may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This failure to appear can result in severe consequences, including potential imprisonment and increased fines.
What's the best time to turn yourself in for a warrant?
Consider your timing
Any experienced attorney will inform you that the best days to turn yourself in are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Where do I turn myself in?
If a judge issues an arrest warrant, and the state has not yet filed criminal charges against you, then you can turn yourself in by going to the police department. When you do, you should plan on dressing appropriately and make sure to bring basic identification documents (for example, a driver's license).
Can a bench warrant be paid off?
No, You Cannot Simply Pay Off a Warrant.
Perhaps you think you can just pay a fine, post a bond, or settle it over the phone. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Warrants are ordered by judges specifically because you failed to comply properly with the court process.
What is a bench warrant in Missouri?
A bench warrant is an order issued by a judge for the arrest of an individual who has committed some form of contempt against the court.
Do Missouri warrants expire?
Arrest warrants, unlike some legal documents, do not come with an expiration date. When a warrant is issued, it remains active until either the subject of the warrant is apprehended or the court revokes it.
Can a job see if you have a warrant?
Yes a warrant is listed on background checks and can cause a employer to refuse to hire you until the warrant is cleared from your record. I would recommend contacting the courts in California and asking how to clear up the warrant on file to prevent a problem in the future.
Can I rent a car if I have a warrant?
The most common company is Rent-A-Car. They will allow you to rent a car with a felony warrant. There are a few other companies that allow you to do this as well. It is important to check with the company you are renting from to make sure they allow you to do this.
Can you fly with a warrant?
While it's technically possible to board a flight with an open arrest warrant without TSA interference, risks abound. From local police presence at airports to CBP checks during international travel, the potential for arrest is real. It's crucial to consult with a legal expert to understand your options and risks.