FINDLAY MUNICIPAL COURT

9th ANNUAL
SAFE SURRENDER DAY

APRIL 23, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Over the last 8 years, the Findlay Municipal Court has helped over 500 individuals and recalled over 600 bench warrants. The Safe Surrender event continues to be a great success for the court, law enforcement and the community. In a continuing effort to reduce the number of outstanding bench warrants and to afford individuals a chance to address their legal issues without immediately going to jail, the Findlay Municipal Court will be conducting its 9th Annual Safe Surrender Day on Thursday, April 23, 2026 between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm. Individuals with active bench warrants who report to the Court on that day will not be arrested. Instead, individuals who take advantage of this opportunity, will work with designated court staff to solve their legal issues. Some examples include:

Individuals who failed to attend a court hearing will be seen by the Judge, Magistrate or court staff that day.

Individuals who failed to perform community service will be reassigned to a work location. If the individual missed a community service contempt hearing, the hearing will be rescheduled to allow the person time to complete the community service;

Individuals who did not complete counseling for mental health or substance abuse will have their appointments rescheduled;

Individuals who did not attend a status conference will meet with a magistrate or court staff to review their financial ability to pay outstanding fines and to establish a new payment plan;

Individuals who did not report to serve a jail sentence will be issued a new date to report.

The Hancock County Public Defender will be available at the court to meet with clients. Upon reporting to the Court on Safe Surrender Day, the warrant will be lifted and recalled from law enforcement. This is a one day only event. Individuals who are unsure if they have an outstanding bench warrant can view a list of active Findlay Municipal Court warrants.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are also accepted. To schedule an appointment or for more information call the Clerk’s office at 419-424-7141.

______________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Is this for real?

A:  Yes.  The Court is providing an opportunity for persons with bench warrants to come to the Court, address their legal issues and have the bench warrant recalled.

Q:  Why would the Court do this?

A:  This is an effort to afford persons a chance to fix their legal issues.  The event is intended to help reduce the number of outstanding arrest warrants and to avoid having individuals go to the Hancock County Jail while their legal matters are addressed.

Q:  Don’t misdemeanor arrest warrants expire after six months?

A:  No.  There is no expiration on any arrest warrants.  The Court has some warrants that are years old.

Q: What if I'm not available to come to the Court during the Safe Surrender event?

A: This is a one day only event.  Individuals who do not take advantage of this opportunity risk NOT having their bench warrants recalled and could be SUBJECT TO ARREST.  If you absolutely cannot attend in person, we encourage you to contact your attorney or file an appropriate motion for the Court to review.  Be advised the only way to guarantee the warrant will be lifted is to appear in person.

Q:  How does someone know if there is a bench warrant for their arrest.

A:   A current listing of active Findlay Municipal Court warrants can be viewed on our website.

Q:  What if someone has an arrest warrant from some other court?

A:  The Findlay Municipal Court can only address warrants issued from cases filed in the Findlay Municipal Court.  If a person has a warrant issued from some other court, the person will need to contact the court that issued the warrant or discuss the matter with their attorney.

Q:  Will I need to bring my attorney with me?

A:  No, but a defendant is always welcome to have an attorney with them in court. 

Q:  How long will the process take to recall someone’s bench warrant?

A:  Due to the nature of the event, it is difficult to predict how many people will appear and how long the process may take, however individuals who have appointments and appear at their appointed time will be given priority service.

Q: Can a person get their sentence changed during Safe Surrender?

A:  No.  The Court will not change someone’s sentence for a criminal offense.  However, if the person needs time to comply with the terms of the sentence, the Court will grant them additional time.  For example, a person will be able to reschedule their community service, re-engage with counseling, sign up to attend the Driver’s Intervention Program or Victim’s Impact Program.

Q:  If a person has a bench warrant requiring them to serve a number of days as a jail sentence, will they go to jail if they show up during Safe Surrender?

A:  No.  Anyone participating in Safe Surrender will be afforded an opportunity to reschedule when they serve the jail sentence.

Q:  What if someone has an arrest warrant that was issued in a civil case?

A:   Arrest warrants are issued when a person does not appear for certain hearings in civil court.  Safe Surrender Day will also address bench warrants issued in civil cases without the person going to jail.