Mono County Warrant Information

Mono County is a small mountain county in the Eastern Sierra with about 14,000 residents. The county seat is Bridgeport. Most of the population lives in Mammoth Lakes. Warrant records are managed by the Sheriff Office. The county has two court locations. Criminal cases are heard in Mammoth Lakes on Mondays only and in Bridgeport on Tuesdays only. To clear a warrant, you must contact your attorney or call the Criminal Division at (760) 924-5444. The court has specific procedures for warrant clearance based on which location handles your case. The Sheriff Office can tell you if you have a warrant. Call (760) 932-7549 and press option 3 for records. You can also visit the Sheriff Office in Bridgeport. Bring photo ID if you go in person.

Mono County Sheriff Office

The Sheriff Office in Mono County handles warrant records for the entire county. When a judge issues a warrant, it gets entered into the Sheriff system. Deputies can check for warrants during traffic stops and other contacts.

To check if you have a warrant, you can call the Sheriff Office at (760) 932-7549 and press option 3 for records. Staff can look up your name in the system. You can also visit the Sheriff Office in person. Bring a current photo ID. The main office is in Bridgeport. There is also a substation in Mammoth Lakes.

Report copies cost $10.00 in Mono County. If you need a copy of your warrant or related documents, you can request them from the Sheriff Office. Some requests may take a few days to process depending on the volume.

Mono County Superior Court

The Superior Court in Mono County has two locations. Criminal cases are heard in Mammoth Lakes on Mondays only. Criminal cases are heard in Bridgeport on Tuesdays only. This unusual schedule means you must know which court handles your case before you try to clear a warrant.

To clear a warrant, you must contact your attorney or call the Criminal Division at (760) 924-5444. Court staff can tell you which location handles your case and what day to appear. They will also explain the procedure for warrant surrender. Each judge may have different requirements, so ask about the specifics for your case.

The court website has basic information about procedures and fees. You can find contact numbers for different services. For specific case information, you need to call or visit in person. Court staff can answer questions about warrant clearance procedures.

Note: Plan your visit for the correct day based on which court handles your case.

Types of Warrants

Mono County issues different types of warrants. Understanding the type helps you know what to do next.

Bench warrants come from the judge when you miss court or violate probation. The court sends the warrant to the Sheriff Office. Most bench warrants in Mono County have bail. You can post the bail amount to get out of jail after arrest. Some bench warrants say no bail for serious violations.

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

• Bench warrants for failure to appear
• Bench warrants for probation violations
• Arrest warrants for felony charges
• Arrest warrants for misdemeanor charges
• Traffic warrants for unpaid fines

All warrants in Mono County stay active until cleared. They do not expire. Even old warrants must be dealt with through the court.

Clearing a Warrant

Clearing a warrant in Mono County requires understanding the court schedule. The process depends on which court handles your case and the warrant type.

For bench warrants, call the Criminal Division at (760) 924-5444. Ask which court location handles your case. Find out what day to appear. Mammoth Lakes hears criminal cases on Mondays only. Bridgeport hears them on Tuesdays only. Arrive early on the correct day. Check in at the clerk window. Tell them you have a warrant and want to surrender. Bring your ID. The clerk will verify the warrant and schedule you for a hearing. When the judge calls your case, they will decide whether to recall the warrant.

You can also turn yourself in at the Sheriff Office. Go to the Bridgeport office or Mammoth Lakes substation. Tell the staff you have a warrant. They will check the system and arrest you if the warrant is active. You will be booked. If bail is set, you can post it and get released. If not, you wait for your court date.

Hiring a lawyer is especially helpful in Mono County due to the unusual court schedule. A criminal defense attorney can contact the court on your behalf. They will know which location and day to appear. The lawyer can also argue for recall of the warrant. For serious charges, having legal representation is wise.

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 Mono County

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

Legal Aid organizations that serve nearby counties may also help Mono County residents. Contact organizations in Inyo County or Tuolumne County to ask if they serve Mono. You must meet income guidelines to qualify for free help.

The Mono 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 to your case. The court assigns them based on availability. Public defenders know the local court system and the unique schedule.

For a private lawyer, ask for referrals in the community. Some lawyers from nearby counties also serve Mono. Fees vary by case complexity. Ask about payment plans if cost is a concern. Having a lawyer who understands the court schedule is important in Mono County.

The Superior Court has limited self-help resources. Staff can answer basic questions about procedures. They cannot give legal advice. But they can explain what forms you need and when to file them.

Nearby Counties

Mono County is in the Eastern Sierra. It borders several other California counties and the state of Nevada. Each county has its own court system and warrant procedures.

• Alpine County - North of Mono County
• Tuolumne County - West of Mono County
• Madera County - Southwest of Mono County
• Inyo County - South of Mono County

If you have warrants in multiple counties, clear each one separately. Contact the court or Sheriff in each county. Procedures vary by location.