Find the Answers You Need to Questions About Bench Warrants in California

Find the Answers You Need to Questions About Bench Warrants in California

California bench warrants can be very confusing. Many people who find out they have one issued against them panic and are not sure what to do. The best action to take is to contact a criminal defense attorney who can review the warrant and help you move forward. You can also keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions about bench warrants.

What Exactly is a Bench Warrant?

Also sometimes referred to as a “body attachment,” a bench warrant is actually the most commonly issued warrant in the state. It is issued by a judge and is not used for a person who is suspected of a crime. Instead, they are issued for court crimes such as not appearing in court, not paying a fine, or not obeying some other type of court order.

The bench warrant gives law enforcement the right to arrest the named person and bring them to court.

What Does it Mean if a Bench Warrant is Recalled, Cleared, or Quashed?

This means that the person on the warrant is no longer wanted by law enforcement. The warrant is no longer active, and it will get removed from the judicial system. As a result, the person named in the warrant is not wanted by law enforcement any longer, and the person named does not have to worry about being arrested for it.

When Do Bench Warrants Expire?

They do not. They are active until the subject of the warrant dies, or the warrant is cleared. The warrant can be cleared if the defendant appears in court before a judge, potentially with their attorney. A party can quash or clear a warrant by showing up in court to have the warrant recalled.

What Happens if the Warrant is Active and Has Not Been Cleared?

Then the person named is at risk of being arrested. If they are arrested, then the judge can decide to release the party with a warning or order the party to go to jail. Which option the judge chooses will generally depend on the seriousness of the offense, the criminal background of the accused, and whether or not the person came voluntarily or was arrested by the police.

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney if There is a Bench Warrant Against Me?

Any time you are required to go to court and/or deal with a judge, it is wise to have an experienced attorney on your side. The solution might be very simple, or it might be a complicated issue. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 now for a free legal consultation.

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