Avoiding Unintended Warrants: The Importance of Updating Court Contact Information

Submitted by
Defense Services Office

Recent initiatives by Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) criminal prosecutors have highlighted a critical need for community members to keep their contact information current with the GRIC Court. Failure to do so could result in unexpected legal complications.

Under the GRIC Code, the Office of the Prosecutor (OOP) has up to 36 months after discovering an offense to file criminal charges. This means that even incidents from years past could suddenly become active legal matters.

How Warrants Can Unexpectedly Arise

Consider this scenario: An individual is arrested for a minor offense, such as underage liquor possession, but not immediately charged. The OOP can still file charges up to three years later. If court summons are sent to an outdated address and the individual fails to appear, a warrant may be issued.

Proactive Steps to Prevent Warrants

The solution is straightforward: keep your contact information updated with the court. If you have been arrested in the past 36 months and never charged, or are unsure about your current legal status, take action:

• Contact the Gila River Indian Community Court at (520) 562-9860

• Update your current mailing and physical address

• Verify whether any charges have been filed against you

• Check if any outstanding warrants exist

Court’s Warrant Resolution Program

The court offers a valuable program that allows individuals to clear bench warrants without arrest if they notify the court proactively. This approach emphasizes rehabilitation and communication over punitive measures.

A Cautionary Note

Unresolved warrants can persist for years. Our office has encountered cases involving warrants 15-20 years old, potentially catching individuals off guard during routine interactions with law enforcement.

Additional Resources

For further guidance, contact:

• Gila River Indian Community Court: (520) 562-9860, or 

• Defense Services Office: (520) 562-5700 (Select Option 1)

By staying informed and proactive, community members can avoid unexpected legal complications and maintain good standing with the court.