Bench and Arrest Warrants in Los Angeles

Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants: Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer

In California, both arrest warrants and bench warrants are orders from a court or judge. Arrest warrants and bench warrants can be Federal or State issued and are executed by a law enforcement officer. An arrest warrant is a formal document given to the police, ordering the arrest and detention of a person. An arrest warrant typically will be issued after a Grand Jury indictment or when law enforcement reasonably suspects criminal activity has occurred. In most situations, people are not aware that an arrest warrant exists until the police are in the process of arresting them.

A bench warrant, the most common type of California warrant, is an order for the immediate arrest of a person. Typically, bench warrants are issued for failure to appear in court on the date scheduled.

California Warrants - What You Need to Know.

ARREST WARRANTS can be issued for :

Suspicion of Criminal Activity Investigation by law enforcement produces reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred. This may include sworn statement by the:

District Attorney (DA)
Police officer
Alleged victim

Police obtain a formal document signed by a judge requesting the arrest of a person. The accused individual may not be aware that arrest warrant exists until police arrive and announce warrant for arrest.

Law enforcement officers may arrive at home or workplace to make the arrest. More than one person can be arrested at one time. Those arrested are brought to jail and then to court before the judge. You will be most vulnerable during the arrest; Any statements given to the police can and will be used against you. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer will make it difficult, if not impossible, for the police to obtain statements from you. If you learn about your outstanding arrest warrant, it is important that you consult an attorney immediately.

BENCH WARRANTS can be issued for :

Failure to Appear in Court
Failure to appear after an indictment (criminal charge) where superior court has fixed a date and place for your appearance.
Failure to appear after your attorney and the judge orders you to personally appear.
Failure to appear and show proof of progress or completion of community service.
Failure to appear after police officer has given you citation.
Failure to appear after you have been released from custody and promised to appear.
Failure to appear for Sentence or Conviction after a plea or trial.
Failure to pay a fine.

Bail will likely be denied if other outstanding warrants exist. Your driver's license can be suspended by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles); It can be reinstated after bench warrant is cleared. If you learn about your outstanding bench warrant, it is important that you return to court immediately with an experienced attorney.

Hiring the right attorney could be crucial.

If you believe there is an outstanding arrest warrant or bench warrant for you in California, you are at risk of being arrested by the police and brought to jail or court at any time. Although you do not need an attorney to assist with your warrant, you are at a huge disadvantage if you represent yourself. An experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney from Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates can help.

An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to cancel your warrant and, in many cases, avoid custody.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer, who has handled these types of cases, knows exactly what documents and information the court requires for a swift resolution.
A good criminal defense attorney knows how to explain to the judge and prosecutor the reason for the warrant.
A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney may convince the court to release you on your own recognizance (O.R. Release, which is your promise to return to court), without posting bail.
Your attorney may also argue for a reasonable bail and arrange for the bail bondsman to be present at court (if bail is required).

If you have an outstanding bench warrant or arrest warrant and you need assistance in clearing or recalling the warrant, call the attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates. Do not attempt to go yourself and talk to the judge. The judge has heard every excuse and won't have the patience or desire to listen to you. Let Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates assist with handling your arrest warrant or bench warrant.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to assist you in resolving a bench warrant or arrest warrant.