The Pennington County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division is commanded by Captain Chris Hislip and includes a Sergeant, three Warrant Deputies and four administrative support staff.
A warrant is a process used to get an individual to appear in court and is usually generated for one of two reasons. A warrant is issued as the result of an investigation in a criminal case; whereas a bench warrant is usually issued by a judge for either failing to appear as promised or failing to pay a fine. Warrants are classified by the State Legislature and are done so by the severity of the crime and the ultimate penalty. The classifications are:
- Petty Offense, e.g. (No seat belt);
- Misdemeanor, (e.g. speeding),
- Felony, (e.g. burglary).
Bonds are required on all warrants to ensure court appearance and can range from a 'no bond' warrant to a bond for the amount of the original charge. Often, a bond in the amount of the original charge can be handled without going to court by signing a power of attorney which allows the Clerk of Courts to enter a plea of 'guilty' and the bond is then forfeited. For any questions concerning warrants, bonds, or the self turn-in process you can call the Warrant Division or, if after hours, you may request to speak with a Deputy Sheriff.
Self Turn-In
If you have a warrant, there is a possibility that you can take care of it without having to be taken into immediate custody.
The Pennington County Sheriff's Office has developed a self turn-in program. This program allows you to turn yourself in on your warrant by coming to the Warrants Division, Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays) between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to sign up for morning court. The process includes presenting yourself at the warrants window and filling out an information sheet. You will be required to pay a $25.00 cash only non-refundable Sheriff's Office warrant service fee for each warrant processed. Your name will be put on a list to appear in morning court at 10:00 a.m. the same morning. You are not required to post a bond at the time you turn yourself in for morning court. Morning court is held on the second floor of the Pennington County Courthouse.
If you turn yourself in on an Arrest Warrant, fingerprints and/or a photo may be required. This process usually takes up to ten minutes and can be done by the staff at the Warrant Division at the time you turn yourself in for court.
Whether you have a warrant that can be paid and does not require a court appearance or a warrant that you would have to post a bond, you can come to the Public Safety Building anytime, day or night, and a deputy will be glad to assist you in clearing your warrant. You will be required to pay a $25.00 cash only non-refundable Sheriff's Office warrant service fee for each warrant processed.
