How to Quash a Criminal Warrant in Arizona

Missing a court date in Arizona is more common than you might think. Life happens—people get busy with work, family, or simply forget. But missing a court date is not something that should be ignored. When this happens, the court typically issues a warrant for your arrest and suspends your driver’s license.

So what now? Here’s what you need to know.

What Happens When You Miss a Court Date?

If you miss your court date:

  • A warrant is issued for your arrest.
  • Your driver’s license is suspended by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).
  • The case is essentially put on hold indefinitely—there’s no statute of limitations once charges are filed.
  • Arizona notifies all other U.S. states through the interstate compact.

Important: A warrant will not go away on its own. It must be actively addressed.

What If You Ignore the Warrant?

While it’s technically possible to ignore a warrant:

  • The case remains active indefinitely.
  • Even after 10 or 20 years, the charges don’t disappear.
  • You may face issues renewing your driver’s license in any state.
  • Some states will suspend your license immediately, while others won’t until you attempt to renew it.
  • Arizona’s MVD shares suspension data with other states, so this will catch up with you eventually.

How Do You Quash a Warrant?

To fix the situation, you must file a Motion to Quash the Warrant. This is a legal request asking the court to cancel the warrant and move your case forward again.

Here’s what the process typically involves:

  • Filing a Motion to Quash with the court.
  • Requesting the court to lift the license suspension.
  • Asking the court to reschedule your missed court date, such as:
    • Arraignment
    • Pretrial conference
    • Status conference (in felony cases)

Will the Court Automatically Quash the Warrant?

Not always. Whether a court grants the motion depends on:

  • The severity of the original charge.
  • The length of time the warrant has been outstanding.
  • Whether there is a valid reason for missing the court date (e.g., medical emergency, wrong address).
  • Whether you are represented by an attorney.

Some possible court requirements may include:

  • Posting a bond (commonly $500–$5,000).
  • Personally appearing in court.
  • Providing a reasonable explanation for the missed date.

How an Attorney Can Help

Having a defense attorney—especially one local to Arizona—can significantly increase the chances of the court quashing your warrant without extra hurdles:

  • Judges often recognize experienced local attorneys and may waive bond or appearance requirements.
  • Your attorney can file the motion quickly, often the same day.
  • Lawyers can follow up with court staff (bailiffs, judicial assistants, etc.) to expedite the process.
  • Attorneys can help explain extenuating circumstances and make a strong case on your behalf.

How Fast Can a Warrant Be Quashed?

  • Same-day filing is often possible.
  • Some courts take up to 10 business days or more to review the motion.
  • Smaller or rural jurisdictions may move slower—sometimes it just sits on a judge’s desk.
  • If you have an urgent need (e.g., traveling internationally, need to drive for work), your attorney can try to expedite the ruling.

Ignoring a warrant is never a good strategy—it won’t go away, and it could impact your freedom, license, and future. The sooner you deal with it, the better.

If you have a warrant or a suspended license due to a missed court date, don’t wait. Contact R&R Law Group for a free case evaluation. We will help you file a motion to quash and get your case moving again—fast.