Warrant

[Mel]

I have a warrant out for my arrest in the state of California. Im currently living in baja california. The cops went to my brothers house looking for me. They said I have a warrant and I could either get arrested or go to court. Im scared, It says that the plaintiff is the state of california..is this more worse if its from the state or is it just cause i live in Ca.? I plan on going to court and finding out what my case is about..can I get arrested in court too?? Plse I need to know..I have never been arrested!!

ANSWER: When it says that the plaintiff is the state of California it means that you are accused of committing a crime against the people of California.  That is the way all criminal charges are written.  For example, "The State of New Jersey vs. Joe Lunch Box".

Since it is a warrant you could be arrested anywhere in the state of California. I have a hard time believing that you don't have a suspicion what the warrant is for.  Either way I would suggest that you retain an attorney in California who can arrange for your surrender.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

it may be that i was gettng unemployment and i was living in baja california.I dont have money for an attorney...am I in big trouble??

[Kendall]

Usually someone knows what they are wanted for.  That is why I asked.

I can't possibly tell you if you are in "big trouble" without knowing about the case, you, or a multitude of other things that can affect the case.  But the police did go to your brothers house looking for you so it does not sound like a traffic ticket.

Have your brother get you an attorney who can find out what the warrant is for and also arrange for your surrender.