Finding out there’s a warrant for your arrest, or that the State is trying to revoke your probation, is one of the most stressful moments in the entire criminal process — and how you handle the first move often shapes everything that follows.
Types of Warrants
- Arrest warrant — issued for a new charge.
- Bench warrant (failure to appear) — issued when a court date is missed.
- Capias — a warrant issued to enforce a court order.
- Motion to Revoke Probation (MTR) — filed against someone on straight probation.
- Motion to Adjudicate Guilt (MTA) — filed against someone on deferred adjudication; a successful MTA converts the original charge into a formal conviction, putting the full original punishment range back on the table.
Turning Yourself In the Right Way
Rather than waiting to be picked up unexpectedly — at a traffic stop, at home, or at work — it’s often possible to arrange a surrender on your own terms, with bond conditions worked out in advance. That single decision frequently determines whether someone spends a few hours in custody or several unplanned days.
What Happens at a Revocation Hearing
Revocation and adjudication hearings use a lower burden of proof than a trial — a preponderance of the evidence, not proof beyond a reasonable doubt — which makes them harder to win outright. In practice, that often shifts the priority toward negotiating the actual consequence: continued probation on modified terms versus full revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail immediately if I turn myself in on a warrant?
Not necessarily — bond may be available depending on the charge, the county, and the circumstances.
What’s the difference between a Motion to Revoke and a Motion to Adjudicate?
An MTR applies to standard probation. An MTA applies to deferred adjudication, and a successful MTA results in a formal conviction on the original charge, with its full punishment range available again.
Can a probation violation be resolved without revocation?
Often, yes — modified terms, extended probation, or a reduced sanction are common outcomes short of full revocation.
How do I find out if I have a warrant?
Most Central Texas counties allow warrant status to be checked online or by phone, but an attorney can often check discreetly on your behalf before you take any action.
Have an active warrant or facing a probation violation? Call 512-827-7767 now.