Do not let a warrant control your next move.
If you believe an arrest warrant or bench warrant may exist, get reliable information and understand the available steps before an unexpected encounter.
Replace uncertainty with a plan.
A warrant may stem from a new allegation, a missed appearance or an unresolved court requirement.
The correct approach depends on the type of warrant and the history of the underlying matter.
- Arrest warrants connected to new allegations
- Bench warrants and missed court appearances
- Outstanding criminal cases
- Planning for the safest lawful next step
Bench warrants and failure-to-appear charges
Missing a required court appearance in Nevada can result in a warrant for arrest, bail consequences and—depending on the circumstances—a separate failure-to-appear charge.
The bench warrant
Under NRS 178.508, when a defendant fails to appear as lawfully required in a covered misdemeanor, gross-misdemeanor or felony case, the court must enter the failure in its minutes and order an arrest warrant no later than 14 judicial days after the missed appearance.
- The warrant remains outstanding: Nevada law does not give an arrest warrant an automatic expiration date. It generally remains enforceable until the court recalls or quashes it, or the person is arrested and brought before the court.
- Arrest can occur during law-enforcement contact: If officers discover the active warrant during a traffic stop or another encounter, the defendant may be taken into custody.
The 30-day surrender provision
NRS 199.335 applies when a person who was admitted to bail or released without bail fails to appear as required. The statute provides an exception to the separate failure-to-appear offense if the person surrenders no later than 30 days after the required appearance. Filing a motion alone is not the surrender described by the statute, and the provision does not automatically erase the warrant or other court consequences.
| Underlying charge | FTA offense level | Potential penalty | Potential fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor only | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail | Up to $1,000 |
| Gross misdemeanor, with no felony | Gross misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
| One or more felonies | Category D felony | 1–4 years in Nevada State Prison | Up to $5,000 |
These are general statutory maximums and ranges under NRS 199.335 and NRS Chapter 193. The facts and procedural history of the case matter.
Critical statutory rules
- Leaving Nevada to avoid prosecution: When the underlying matter includes only misdemeanor or gross-misdemeanor charges, leaving the state with intent to avoid prosecution elevates the failure-to-appear offense to a category D felony carrying 1–4 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $5,000.
- Bail forfeiture: A breach of a bond condition authorizes the court to declare bail forfeited. Under NRS 178.508, covered bail is generally forfeited 180 days after the required notice is mailed or electronically transmitted, subject to statutory relief or an extension.
- Traffic-related license suspension: Under NRS 483.465, violating a written promise to appear for a qualifying Nevada traffic citation causes the court clerk to notify the DMV. The DMV then mails notice and allows 30 days to appear, make an authorized arrangement or request a hearing. Unless the DMV receives the required response, suspension begins 31 days after the notice was mailed.
Know your rights and the safest lawful next step. Speak with Attorney Joseph S. Meloro.
Address it before it finds you.
Speak with Attorney Joseph S. Meloro about the warrant and the matter behind it.
Call (702) 899-4582