WILLIAMS - Most citizens are alarmed, and even somewhat frightened, when they are charged with a crime. And it's not uncommon for blood pressures to rise at the sight of blue and red flashing lights in the rearview mirror. However, some citizens are hesitant to clear up civil and criminal matters. As a result, more than 1,800 arrest warrants are active in the Williams area.
These arrest warrants were issued and are managed by the Williams Justice and City courts, which covers a large portion of northern Arizona. The Williams City Court covers the city of Williams' limits only. The Williams Justice Court serves a much larger area, including Parks, Valle, Tusayan and even Supai. Coconino County Justice of the Peace/Williams City Magistrate Bill Sutton Jr. presides over both courts.
The Williams City Court handles misdemeanor cases only. The Williams Justice Court handles both misdemeanor and felony cases. There are currently 231 active misdemeanor arrest warrants at the city court.
At the Williams Justice Court, there are 1,624 active arrest warrants. Of those warrants, 100 are for driving under the influence and nine represent serious traffic violations that include charges such as reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Other criminal charge warrants are at 1,191, there are 269 misdemeanor warrants and 45 felony warrants.
Sutton encourages individuals with arrest warrants to appear in court to take care of their cases. Those that appear will likely not be arrested.
"In the 18 and a half years I have worked here, I don't believe we've arrested anyone on the spot that appeared for a warrant," Sutton said. "If we did that, people wouldn't have an incentive to come in and take care of their business."
Warrants are issued when an individual fails to appear in court on a citation or charge. Warrants are also issued when individuals fail to comply with court orders, such as paying a fine or restitution.
"Usually you can come in and pay a fine," Sutton said. "Or if you have not appeared on a charge, and the warrant is for failure to appear, you can plead not guilty. Perhaps it wasn't you; it was someone else."
Sutton said that while some may fail to appear out of fear, many believe they do not have enough money to pay fines.
"Payments can be made on fines. There is a time payment fee," said Sutton. "For failure to pay or failure to appear, jail time can be received, but this is not common. Most of the time it will be a fine."
Once warrants are issued through the courts, a list of warrants is available to area law enforcement agencies. Recently, after receiving a warrants list, the Williams Police Department removed four warrants in just over one day. However, the numbers vary.
"We may get none in one week and 10 the next week," said WPD Chief Herman Nixon. "With misdemeanor warrants, we inform the person of their court date and time to appear. We do not arrest them. Ninety percent of those people take care of their warrants the next day. With felony warrants, we have to make an arrest."
Nixon added that many times the individual forgot they had a court date.
"For whatever reason, people do forget," he said. "Others are afraid to appear due to lack of money. They don't know that they can work this out through community service, deferred fines or payment plans. There are money options."
Individuals who do not know if their cases have been adjudicated - or believe they have a warrant for their arrest - can contact city court, justice court or the WPD to determine if a warrant exists.
"We encourage people to come to the police department if they believe a warrant might exist," Nixon said. "It is better to go see the judge and make arrangements for community service or pay a fine. There are many options available. People should not be afraid to deal with the courts, especially the Williams courts. The staff at our local courts is great. They really work with people."
Appearing at court in person is not always required.
"People can call to make arrangements to appear, or if they are out-of-state, we can resolve the case telephonically. Get it squared away and taken care of," Sutton said.
The Williams Justice Center is located at 700 W. Railroad Ave. Court staff can be reached at the Williams Justice Court by calling (928) 635-2691 and Williams City Court at (928) 635-4456.
