Jurisdiction

The Magistrate Court handles warrant applications for the offense of abandonment of a child. The proper venue for prosecution of the offense of abandonment of a child is the county where the child resides at the time of the issuance of the warrant.

Procedure to Apply for a Warrant for Child Abandonment

In order to apply, the applicant must fill out the Child Abandonment Criminal Warrant Application. A full mailing address for the defendant must be provided, including apartment number if applicable and correct zip code.

The applicant should file the application with the Clerk of Magistrate Court with the filing fee and provide a copy of a current support order. The filing fee is $20.

Scheduling of Hearing
A hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible, but no sooner than two weeks from the date of filling in order to provide time for notice to be mailed to the parties and witnesses.

Hearing

The applicant seeking the warrant shall have the customary rights of presentation of evidence and examination of witnesses. The person whose arrest is sought may cross-examine the person or persons applying for the warrant and any other witnesses testifying in support of the application at the hearing. The person whose arrest is sought may bring witnesses and present evidence that probable cause does not exist for his or her arrest. The judge shall have the right to limit the presentation of evidence and the cross-examination of witnesses to the issue of probable cause. Both parties should bring any relevant documents, photos, recordings, or other evidence with them to the hearing.

At the warrant application hearing, the judge will decide whether this is enough evidence to make an arrest. If the judge finds that probable cause exists, the warrant may be issued at the hearing.

Recordings of Hearings

Warrant application hearings are recorded. A party may request a copy of the recording for $10. The request must be in writing, indicate the names of the parties involved and the date of the hearing, and include payment for the recording.

Representation by an Attorney

Either party has the right to be represented by an attorney at the warrant application hearing. Cases will not be continued automatically for failure of a party to seek counsel prior to the hearing. Any legal questions should be directed to an attorney.

Additional Rights of Persons Accused of Crimes 

The accused has the right to remain silent, and any testimony given by the accused may be used against him or her. The accused is under no duty to present any evidence tending to prove innocence and is not required to take the stand and testify. If the accused elects not to testify, no inference adverse to the accused shall be drawn by the judge, nor shall such fact be held against the accused in any way. If the accused testifies, the testimony will be recorded and could be used against the accused if the case is prosecuted.