How can I close my pending charges?

I got a domestic violence charge in 2005 and a restraining order violation in 2007. I also have 2 warrant of arrests. How can I get these cases closed?
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Law Office of Joe Dane | Joe Dane
Orange, CA
By "pending" - are they still ongoing in the court system? I assume that's what you mean because there are two warrants for you. If they are misdemeanors and the warrants have been outstanding for that long, your attorney may be able to successfully get the cases dismissed for failure to serve the warrants in a timely manner. It's called a Serna motion. Your lawyer should know about this. Unfortunately, you're going to have to appear in court (or have your attorney appear on your behalf if possible) to get the warrants recalled and look into any issues with the case and/or work towards the dismissal.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Eric Sterkenburg
In order to have a case closed you need to complete all the terms of your probation. If you have warrants outstanding that tells me you have not completed the terms of your probation. You need to go to the court before being arrested for the warrants and find out what is outstanding on your probation. I would advise that when doing this you consult with an attorney and have him appear with you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/14/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Rizio & Nelson
They're not just going to go away on their own. The warrants will remain outstanding until you turn yourself in. Once you turn yourself if and recall the warrants, then you and your attorney can figure out the best way of fighting the charges or negotiating a deal.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Geoffrey M. Yaryan
You must appear in court to have the warrants recalled. You better have a good attorney with you because you face some serious consequences.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Jeff Yeh
You need an attorney to first go and recall the warrants, then deal with the underlying charges. Going to court by yourself after so many years almost guarantees that you will be taken into custody. You'll be better off with a lawyer, who can first try to reall the warrants without you being there (thereby lessening the chances of you being remanded).

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Daniel K Martin
Meet with a lawyer to help get you on calendar and represent you. Since you asked 'How can I close my pending charges?' It sounds like you may not understand that these cases are not going to go away or just get closed. You must appear in court and either accept a plea deal, go to trial or the prosecutor will dismiss the cases. I hope it works out for you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Tracey S. Sang
I don't believe "closed" is the term you are looking for. Cases are considered "closed" once you are convicted. Since they are older cases, I think you are probably asking how to get the cases off your record. The answer to that is that you need to ask to have them expunged. You can do this yourself by obtaining a packet from the criminal clerk's office or hire an attorney to do it.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Andrew Bouvier-Brown
You're going to have to get an attorney and prepare to turn yourself in. You should get an attorney first, however; at that point someone will direct you on how to promptly address your problem. It is not realistic to hope you can get a case "closed" if you have warrants out for your arrest. The only thing to do is recognize the problem and face it.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Law Office of Harry E. Hudson, Jr.
Insufficient information to answer. Contact an attorney with all of your paper work. If there are cases you have not appeared on, the easiest way to start closing them is to set a court date. But you might want to see an attorney first, which is my suggestion.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: LynchLaw
If you want to resolve the matter on your own, it would be a simple matter of going to the Court and asking the case be put on the calendar. However, I would consult with an attorney before doing so. If you can afford it, hire an attorney to have the matter place on the calendar for you.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/10/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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