Answering Your Questions About Unserved Warrants In North Carolina
Even if you haven’t been officially served with a warrant for a criminal charge yet, you should still contact an attorney to advise you about what to expect. Here are some tips about unserved warrants and some frequently asked questions:
- The magistrate will set your first bond which could include a written promise to appear or an unsecured bond, which would allow you to leave the jail immediately and go to your court date on your own.
- If the magistrate sets a secured bond, you may have to pay money or hire a bondsperson to pay the bond for you before you are released.
- If you can’t pay your bond, you will have a first appearance before a District Court judge to address your bond the next business day. For this reason, it is never advisable to turn yourself in on a Friday or a Saturday.
- If you hire a lawyer before you get served and can’t pay your bond, a lawyer can appear for you at your first appearance and ask that your bond be decreased.
- Before you get served with a warrant, it is always a good idea to bring a friend who can contact a lawyer if your bond is set to high for you to bond out.
Who usually serves criminal warrants and orders for arrest?
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the service of certain Criminal Processes within Guilford County. These processes include Criminal Summons, Warrants for Arrest, Orders for Arrest, Fugitive from Justice, Subpoenas, Child Support Orders and any other criminal processes required for service in Guilford County.
How do I get served with a warrant in Guilford County?
To be Served with a Criminal Process, you can respond to the Greensboro or High Point Magistrate’s Office or contact the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Squad/Staff Duty.
- During business hours in Greensboro, (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.): GCSO Warrant Office (Greensboro), 201 S. Edgeworth Street, Greensboro, NC 27401; Phone: (336) 641-2727; Fax: (336) 641-6719; Greensboro Magistrate’s Office, 201 S. Edgeworth Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
- On Nights/Weekends in Greensboro: Greensboro Magistrate’s Office, 201 S. Edgeworth Street, Greensboro, NC 27401; GCSO Staff Duty (Greensboro), Phone: (336) 641-3355, Fax: (336) 641-3668
- During business hours in High Point, (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.): GCSO Warrant Office (High Point), 507 E Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260, Phone: (336) 641-7907, Fax: (336) 641-7884; High Point Magistrate’s Office, 505 E Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260
- On Nights/Weekends in High Point: High Point Magistrate’s Office, 505 E Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260; GCSO Staff Duty (Greensboro), Phone: (336) 641-3355, Fax: (336) 641-3668