Mariposa County Warrants

Mariposa County is a small mountain county near Yosemite National Park with about 17,000 residents. Warrant records are managed by the Sheriff Office in the town of Mariposa. The county has one main courthouse where all criminal cases are heard. Bench warrants get issued when people miss court dates or violate probation terms. Arrest warrants are signed when new criminal charges are filed. The Sheriff Office keeps all warrant data for the Superior Court. You can visit the office to check if you have a warrant. They require you to bring photo ID and check the system in person. The office is at 5099 Old Highway 49 North in Mariposa. Staff will tell you if a warrant exists and what options you have for clearing it. The court is nearby on Bullion Street. You can go there to surrender on a bench warrant during business hours.

Sheriff Office Warrant Services

The Mariposa County Sheriff Office handles all warrant inquiries for the county. When a judge issues a warrant, the court sends the info to the Sheriff. Deputies enter it into their records system. This lets them check for active warrants during traffic stops and other law enforcement contacts.

You can visit the Sheriff Office to check for warrants on yourself. Go to the main office on Old Highway 49 North. Bring a current photo ID. The staff at the front desk will look up your name in the system. If you have an active warrant, they will tell you the details including the charge and bail amount. Be prepared for possible arrest if the warrant is serious or has no bail set.

The Sheriff Department runs the county jail in Mariposa. If you are arrested on a warrant, you will be booked there. You can post bail if the warrant allows it. Bail amounts are set by the court. For small counties like Mariposa, the jail is often at capacity. You may be released on your own recognizance for minor warrants if the jail is full.

Mariposa County Superior Court

The Superior Court in Mariposa County handles all criminal cases. Judges issue bench warrants when people do not show up for court. They sign arrest warrants when prosecutors file charges. The courthouse is in the town of Mariposa on Bullion Street.

If you have a bench warrant, you can go to the court to clear it. Arrive early in the morning before court starts at 9:00 AM. Check in at the clerk window. Tell them you have a warrant and want to surrender. Bring your ID. The clerk will check the system and may put you on the calendar for that day. When you see the judge, they will decide whether to recall the warrant. You may need to post bail or agree to certain conditions.

The court website has limited online services. You can find basic information about court procedures and contact numbers. For case specific information, you need to call or visit in person. Court staff can tell you what you need to clear a warrant. Each case is different based on the charges and your history.

Types of Warrants

Mariposa County issues different warrant types. Understanding which type you have helps you plan your next steps.

Bench warrants are common in small counties like Mariposa. They come from the judge when you miss court or violate probation. The court sends the warrant to the Sheriff Office right away. Most bench warrants have bail. You can post the bail amount to get out of jail after arrest. Some say no bail for serious probation violations.

Arrest warrants are issued for new criminal charges. A prosecutor files a complaint. The judge reviews it and signs the warrant if there is probable cause. Deputies can then arrest you based on the warrant. Arrest warrants in Mariposa County cover felonies and misdemeanors. Bail varies by charge.

• Failure to appear bench warrants
• Probation violation bench warrants
• Felony arrest warrants
• Misdemeanor arrest warrants
• Traffic warrants for unpaid fines

All warrants in Mariposa County stay active until cleared. They do not expire. You must deal with a warrant through the court system even if it is years old.

Clearing Your Warrant

You have several options for dealing with a warrant in Mariposa County. The right choice depends on the warrant type and your situation. Do not wait as warrants do not go away.

For bench warrants, go to the courthouse early in the morning. Check in at the clerk window before 9:00 AM. Tell them you want to surrender on a warrant. Bring your ID and any court papers. The clerk will check the system and may schedule you for a hearing that day. When the judge calls your case, explain why you missed court. Be honest. The judge may recall the warrant and give you a new court date.

You can also turn yourself in at the Sheriff Office. Go to the main office on Highway 49. Tell the front desk you have a warrant. They will check the system and arrest you if the warrant is active. You will be booked into jail. If bail is set, you can post it and get released. If not, you wait for your court date.

Hiring a lawyer can help for serious warrants. A criminal defense attorney can contact the court on your behalf. They may be able to arrange a surrender time. The lawyer can also appear with you and argue for recall of the warrant. For felonies in Mariposa County, having legal representation is smart. Ask local attorneys about their experience with the court.

Traffic warrants can sometimes be cleared by paying the fine. Call the court and ask if your warrant is eligible for payment clearance. You may be able to pay by phone or mail. Once the court receives payment, they recall the warrant. This only works for minor traffic infractions.

Legal Help in Mariposa County

Legal resources are limited in small counties like Mariposa. However, help is available through regional organizations and private lawyers.

Central California Legal Services serves Mariposa County. They help low income residents with some legal issues. You must meet income guidelines. Call their main office to see if you qualify. They can advise on warrants and court procedures for eligible clients.

The Mariposa County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford a lawyer. If you are arrested on a warrant and cannot make bail, the public defender may be appointed. The court assigns public defenders based on availability. They know the local court system and judges well.

For a private lawyer, ask for referrals in the community. Mariposa is a small county so most lawyers know each other. Many criminal defense attorneys in nearby counties also serve Mariposa. Fees vary by case complexity. Ask about payment plans if cost is a concern. Having a lawyer can make clearing a warrant much smoother.

The Superior Court has limited self-help resources. Staff can answer basic questions about procedures. They cannot give legal advice. But they can point you to resources and explain what forms you need. Call the court for more information.

Nearby Counties

Mariposa County is in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It borders several other California counties. Each has its own court and warrant system.

• Tuolumne County - North of Mariposa County
• Madera County - South of Mariposa County
• Merced County - West of Mariposa County

If you have warrants in multiple counties, clear each one separately. Contact the court or Sheriff Office in each county. Procedures vary. Some counties allow warrant clearance through a lawyer. Others require you to appear in person.