Texas warrant and amnesty round up kicks off in April

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement agencies throughout Texas will kick off a massive effort next month known as the Texas Warrant Roundup to collect debt owed on outstanding warrants. The initiative involves more than 300 jurisdictions state-wide, including right here in Hays County.

Before the roundup begins, the state allows a grace period. This typically allows any resident of Texas to come forward to square their debt and pay their fines without further penalties.

“If you’ve forgotten to pay a ticket or appear for a court date, you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in your name,” said Judge Andy Cable, Pct. 3. “The best thing to do if you’re on the warrant list is to come forward and satisfy the debt as soon as possible to clear your name. Don’t risk being arrested once the Texas Roundup starts.”

The Warrant Amnesty/Round up weeks are the first two weeks in April. If you know you have an outstanding Class C warrant or a pending case in a Hays County Municipal or Justice of the Peace Court, please contact that court before April 15, 2021.

“Each court has individual jurisdiction and cases will be reviewed individually and handled appropriately,” Judge Beth Smith, Pct. 2, said. “We ask that you contact the appropriate court (i.e., the court where you have a warrant for your arrest) for direction.”

Justice of the Peace Maggie Moreno, Pct. 1-2, added that there may be alternatives available to satisfy a case and she suggested individuals contact the specific court where their warrant is held to inquire about that possibility.

Find contact information for Justices of the Peace on the Hays County website: https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/