A Closer Look at Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued by a judge when a defendant violates the rules of the court, and is used by police like an arrest warrant to bring the defendant back in front of the judge. Many times, a defendant will simply fail to show up for their court hearing and the judge will issue a bench warrant as punishment. Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants because the arrest warrant process is started by the police officer, who then brings the warrant to the judge to sign off.

It is the judge who initiates the bench warrant process and sends it to law enforcement to put the warrant in action. Bench warrants are an instrument commonly used by judges to fight contempt of court or a willful disregard of a court order. Most judges do not like dealing with the paperwork of issuing bench warrants for people who fail to appear for jury duty, but they will take the time to issue a bench warrant when someone fails to show up for a scheduled court date.

If there is a bench warrant out for your arrest, it is important that you understand the gravity of your situation. If you are picked up by law enforcement officers, you will be put directly in jail until you get in for another hearing because you will be deemed a flight risk by the court. It is wise to contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer the moment you hear about your bench warrant to protect your rights. In some cases, the warrant may have been issued in error and you can avoid all of the hassle with the help of a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Bench warrants may result in additional penalties such as probation or more jail time, so take legal action to combat your bench warrant today!