What is this event?
This event is an opportunity for young people with misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor warrants (see who is eligible below) to clear their warrants without being arrested.
You also have the opportunity to resolve your case after meeting with a public defender and a prosecutor. If you have a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor warrant from Hennepin County Juvenile Court and participate in this event, your warrant will be cleared or resolved before you leave.
When and Where is this event?
The Juvenile Warrant Forgiveness Day will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at the building located at 1256 Penn Avenue, North in Minneapolis (formerly known as the “Thor Building).
What does “warrant forgiveness” or “warrant resolution” mean?
This is an event to resolve warrants without fear of being arrested. In many situations, your case can be resolved at this event. In other situations, a new court date will need to be set.
Who is eligible for this event?
Any person with a warrant from a case in Hennepin County Juvenile Court for:
- Misdemeanor charges; or
- Gross misdemeanor charges
What charges are not eligible for this event?
The following charges may not be able to be resolved at this event:
- Juvenile Felony charges;
- Adult charges;
- DWI charges; and
- Charges from other counties
How do I find out if I have a warrant and what type of warrant?
Please call Court Administration at (612) 348-3174 to find out if you have a warrant on a juvenile case or to find out if you qualify for this event. (M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.).
What if I have a warrant on a juvenile misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor case from another county?
Depending on the county and the type of warrant, you may be able to have the warrant quashed and have a court date scheduled in the other county.
How long will it take and what should I expect?
It will take some time to resolve the warrant. It may take up to an hour for you to meet with an attorney and to see the judge. After meeting with the judge, you may have the opportunity to complete volunteer work/community service at the site in order to resolve the case on the day of the event. Please plan for this.
Will there be attorneys on-site to assist me?
Yes. Regardless of the circumstances of the warrant, the Public Defender’s Office will have attorneys present at the event to represent you and assist you throughout the process of resolving your warrant.
What sort of identification do I need to bring?
You can bring any form of ID that you have - Social Security card, School ID, birth certificate, Medicare/Medicaid card, etc. If you do not have any ID, you may still be able to participate in the Juvenile Warrant Forgiveness Day.
Do I have to be there at 10:00 am, or can I come any time during the day?
You will need to arrive between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You are welcome anytime during those hours. You can also register by calling (612) 348-3174.
Where can I find more information about the Juvenile Warrant Forgiveness Day?
The
event webpage contains more information about the event.
What if I have an adult family member or a friend who may have a warrant?
If you are an adult and have a warrant from a Hennepin County case, you may call the new
Hennepin Courts Warrant Hotline at (612) 543-9768. The Warrant Hotline is designed to give adult defendants and their attorneys one number to call to get information about warrants. In some cases, people are able to schedule a new hearing within ten days. The warrant will stay active, but the person will be allowed to appear on an out-of-custody basis for the new hearing without having to go to jail to clear the warrant.
Other important information regarding language services:
- Spanish and Somali interpreters will be on site to provide language services. We will do our best to make accommodations for those who need language services, and will make arrangements to provide an interpreter for a future court hearing if necessary.