Locked Up in a Minnesota Jail with a Warrant in Another County? Here's what you can do!
The legal landscape surrounding bail and warrants in Minnesota can be intricate, especially when a defendant finds themselves in jail in one Minnesota county while facing a warrant in another. This scenario raises important questions about how to post bond, where to post it, and the potential complexities involved. In this blog, we'll break down the process of posting bail or bond in the county of detention, even with a warrant in a different Minnesota county. We'll also provide three detailed examples to illustrate the process, offering valuable insights for those facing this difficult scenario.
Example 1: Bail in Hennepin County with a “ Body Only” Warrant in Dakota County
Imagine you find yourself incarcerated in Hennepin County with a bail set at $10,000, but you have an active “body only” warrant in Dakota County. In this case you would:
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secure your release, you would first need to post the $10,000 bail or $1,000 bond in Hennepin County. However, the "body only" warrant from Dakota County requires you to be transferred to Dakota county before getting released from custody.
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After posting bail in Hennepin County, you would eventually be transferred to Dakota County to address the active warrant. Dakota County receives notice that your hold in Hennepin County is satisfied. Dakota County will then pick you up and bring you to their jail. The duration of this process may vary, but it usually takes a couple of days to be transferred. This process is influenced by the specific procedures followed at the respective Minnesota jail.
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Once in Dakota County, you would appear before a judge who decides whether to set a new bail or release you on your own recognizance. If a bail is set, you will then be able to post bail or bond in Dakota County to secure your release. To learn more about how bail is set, read our recent Metro blog here.
Example 2: Bail in Anoka County with a Warrant in Ramsey County
Now, consider a scenario where there is a bail set on the warrant in a separate county. For example, you are in jail in Anoka County with a bail set at $3,000, but there's an existing warrant in Ramsey County with a bail of $5,000. In this case you would:
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In this case, you could post both the Anoka County and Ramsey County bails or bonds at the Anoka County Jail, where you are being held. Although the Ramsey County bail is based out of a different county, the jail that you are housed in will accept a bond to satisfy the Ramsey County warrant.
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If you post both the Anoka County bail or bond and the Ramsey County bail or bond in Anoka County, you can be released directly from Anoka County without being transferred to Ramsey County. However, if you posted the Anoka County bail and you did not post the Ramsey County bail in Anoka, you will be transferred to Ramsey County to address the warrant in front of a judge. On the other hand, if you were to post the Ramsey County bail in Anoka County and you did not post the Anoka County bail, you will remain in Anoka County on the bail that was set there.
Example 3: Being Held in Jail in Washington County on a warrant in Wright County
You may also find yourself in a scenario where you have a warrant in a county separate from the one you are being held in. For example, you have a $12,000 warrant in Wright County, but you were arrested for that warrant in Washington County. In this case you would:
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In this situation, you can post the Wright County bail or bond in Washington County, where you are being held. Although you may not have a pending case in Washington County, they will still accept a bond to satisfy your Wright County warrant.
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If you post bond on your Wright County warrant in Washington County, you will be released directly from the Washington County Jail. However, you must do this within a day or so to avoid being transferred to Wright County. Washington County has no reason to hold you in their jail, so they will notify Wright County to pick you up when you are arrested in Washington County.
Navigating the complexities of posting bond when facing a cross-county warrant in Minnesota requires a strategic approach. The examples provided highlight the importance of understanding the specific circumstances, warrant details, and the sequence of actions needed to secure release. For individuals caught in such legal webs, consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. Learn more about why it is beneficial to hire an attorney here. As legal procedures can vary, staying informed about the nuances involved in posting bond across counties is crucial for a smoother legal journey within the Minnesota criminal justice system. Still have questions? Give us a call today to speak to one of our knowledgeable agents!
