Have a misdemeanor warrant? Lancaster County offers a chance to erase it

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The City of Lincoln and Lancaster County will allow some people with a warrant to have it canceled.

On Dec. 21, the Lancaster County Court, Lancaster County attorney, Lincoln city attorney and Lancaster County public defender are holding night court from 4 to 6 p.m. at the county courthouse.

They’re calling it Warrant Wipeout.

People with a misdemeanor warrant can get it canceled without being arrested.

“They can come in on the warrant and say, ‘I want to turn myself in,’ and we will release them on their own recognizance,” said Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon.

Condon said it’s a good opportunity for those who have a warrant because otherwise, they would be arrested if they crossed paths with a law enforcement officer.

“This way, they don’t have to worry about being out on Christmas, Christmas Eve and getting contacted by a law enforcement officer and having to go into custody,” he said.

Those who turn themselves in will get a new court date set and have their bond reinstated.

Condon said it’s really a good thing for everyone involved.

“It helps us, we get the case back online and get going again,” he said. “The public defender, their clients come in, they don’t have to go looking for them or see where they are.”

And it’s even beneficial to the taxpayer.

“This way, we don’t have to take people into the jail,” Condon said. “Our jail, as you probably have heard, is full.”

SEE ALSO: Crowded Lancaster County Jail to house some inmates at another facility

There are a few exceptions to the Warrant Wipeout.

It only applies to misdemeanor warrants in Lancaster County, not felonies.

Child support or holds for court warrants aren’t included, either.

Condon said if you’re unsure whether you should come in, it’s best to contact your lawyer for advice.

The County Attorney’s Office said if you show up and your warrant isn’t included in the program, you may be arrested.

Condon said if you can’t make it to the courthouse during the designated time, you can call ahead and work with your attorney for a different time to come in.