There are over 47,000 active warrants in Oklahoma County, some of them go back to the 70’s and many are for offenses as minor as missing a court date or being unable to pay fines and fees. Having a warrant creates numerous barriers to accessing stable housing, employment opportunities and advancement, and other crucial resources. In 2023, headed by Oklahoma County District Judge Cindy Truong, the Warrant Clearing event began to free up the clogged legal system and to give individuals a chance to resolve their warrants. After successfully completing 3 warrant clearing events that helped over 1,000 individuals last year, we are answering some of the most frequently asked questions: 

 Q: What is the Warrant Clearing Event?

A: The Warrant Clearing Event is an opportunity for individuals to resolve active traffic, cost, and misdemeanor warrants. The event is in a safe, community space where individuals can resolve their warrants by paying their fees, setting up a payment plan, or even reset a court date without the risk of being arrested. Some warrants have even been dismissed at past events.

Q: Where can I find out about the next event?

A: Updated information about the events, including dates, time, and location, are posted online through social media channels and on the Oklahoma County Treatment Court website events page. (okcountytc.org/events)

Q: If I go to this event, will I get arrested?

A: No, to ensure a fair and safe process for everyone involved, police will not be present to make arrests.

Q: What is the impact?

A: As of the writing of this FAQ, the Warrant Clearing Event has helped over 1,000 individuals resolve outstanding warrants and avoid arrest since the first event took place in October of 2023. Additionally, every individual who has reset a court date has successfully appeared in court.

Q: Is this legal?

A: Yes. County judges, public defenders, district attorneys, and even court clerk personnel are on site at the event. This means that they can complete a variety of legal processes and filings outside of the courthouse, while the proceedings are just as official as if they had happened in a courtroom.

Q: Is clearing warrants safe for the community?

A: Yes. Many of the warrants being cleared are for low-level misdemeanors and some are more than a decade old. Some warrants are a result of missing a court date or because a person could not pay the fines or fees. These individuals are not a threat to public safety, they just need help navigating the process and getting back on track. Every individual who has reset a court date through this event has appeared in court.

Q: Who puts on the Warrant Clearing Event?

A: Oklahoma County Court judges, attorneys from the offices of the Public Defender and District Attorney and Court Clerk personnel collaborate with community organizations, municipal courts and service providers to put on the event.

Q: Why was the Warrant Clearing Event created?

A: There are over 47,000 active warrants in Oklahoma County, some of them go back to the 70’s and many are for offenses as minor as missing a court date or being unable to pay fines and fees. Having a warrant creates numerous barriers to accessing stable housing, employment opportunities and advancement, and other crucial resources. The Warrant Clearing event resolves active warrants which alleviates the fear of even casual interactions with police and allows people to safely and confidently participate in our community.

Q: What is the process to resolve my warrant at the event?

A: Once checked in, the attorneys from the Public Defender’s office will look your name up and determine      what warrants, if any, an individual has. Once the attorneys determine if there is an active warrant or some kind of legal issue they can resolve for the individual, we will do so or point them in the direction of the entity that can.

Q: What do I need to bring to the event?

A: An ID, but you can still receive help using your name and date of birth

Q: Can you help if I have multiple warrants?

A: Yes. As long as your warrant is in Oklahoma County, we can help.