Officials: Best to clear warrants now

Law enforcement officials announced this week that people who have warrants on non-violent misdemeanor charges have the opportunity to go to court and enter a plea or pay a fine instead of being arrested and taken to jail.

Darryl Hart, warrant officer with the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office, said there are literally thousands of outstanding warrants that have yet to be paid, and that since GCSO has an arrest warrant “roundup” coming up soon, he thought it might be a good idea to let people know they could go to court and work things out rather than end up behind bars.

“Being arrested is quite an inconvenience,” Hart said. “It can really mess up your day. I thought we could get some of these non-violent misdemeanor cases and get those people to come to court and enter a plea and pay a fine. I think it would it be more beneficial for [everyone] to allow them to pay a fine instead of going to jail. The county judge and county prosecutor both agreed.”

Hart said all people have to do is give him a call at the sheriff’s office, commit to a court date and show up on time.

“County court is held every Monday at 1 p.m. at the county courthouse,” Hart said. “So they can call me and come to the next court date, and by getting these warrants cleared up they can get on with their lives instead of constantly having to look over their shoulder. They can renew their driver’s license or do whatever they have to do in order to get back to being productive. This will be a win-win for everyone involved.”

Hart said to make these arrangements and avoid jail, call the sheriff’s office at 672-6524.