Discovering that you have a warrant in Los Angeles can be frightening and overwhelming. Whether it’s for a missed court date, unpaid fines, probation violation, failure to appear in court, ignoring a warrant will only make matters worse. Warrants don’t simply “go away” over time—they remain active until you resolve them, and an arrest can happen at the most inconvenient moment, such as during a traffic stop, at your workplace or at an airport while traveling with your family. If you’ve recently found out about a warrant in your name, here’s what you need to know and the steps you should take immediately.
Types of Warrants in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles County, two of the most common types of warrants are:
- Arrest Warrant – Issued when police or prosecutors show a judge there is probable cause that you committed a crime.
- Bench Warrant – Issued by a judge if you miss a court date, fail to pay fines, or disobey a court order.
Regardless of the type, both give police the legal authority to arrest you on the spot.
What To Do If You Have a Warrant in Los Angeles
- Confirm the Warrant - You or your lawyer can verify your warrant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or the court clerk’s office.
- Contact a Los Angeles Defense Lawyer Immediately
This is the most important step. A skilled attorney can:- Investigate why the warrant was issued.
- Communicate directly with the court or the prosecutor on your behalf.
- Arrange for you to appear voluntarily instead of being arrested.
- Go to court with your attorney and request that the judge recall the warrant, lower bail.
- If the warrant is based on a misdemeanor case, an attorney can appear on your behalf without your presence. However, if the warrant is based on a felony, then the defendant must be present in court in order to recall the warrant.
- Do Not Speak to the Police Alone - If law enforcement contacts you, anything you say can be used against you. Do not speak to officers without your attorney present.
- Prepare With Your Lawyer - Your defense lawyer will guide you in gathering documents, references, receipts or other supporting evidence to strengthen your case
Types of Warrants in Los Angeles
- Arrest Warrant – Issued when police or prosecutors show a judge there is probable cause that you committed a crime.
- Bench Warrant – Issued by a judge if you miss a court date, fail to pay fines, probation violation or disobey a court order.
Both warrants allow law enforcement to arrest you and both require immediate attention.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Warrant
Many people make the mistake of avoiding their warrant, thinking they can “lay low” and it will go away or resolve itself. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Warrants stay active indefinitely and can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Being arrested in front of your family, coworkers, or neighbors.
- Facing higher bail amounts or stricter release conditions.
- Additional criminal charges.
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Harsher treatment from the court when you finally do appear.
- Negative consequences for your job, reputation, and future.
By addressing a warrant quickly, you show the court that you take the matter seriously, which can work in your favor.
Steps to Take if You Have a Warrant
- Confirm the Warrant -You or your attorney can check with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or the court clerk to confirm whether a warrant is active.
- Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately - This is the most important step. An experienced defense lawyer can:
- Review the reason for the warrant
- Contact the court and the prosecutor on your behalf.
- Attempt to settle the issue in the warrant (example:fines or restitution) without the defendant going to court
- Arrange a voluntary surrender to avoid a humiliating public arrest.
- Request that the warrant be recalled and ask the judge to release you without posting bond or alternatively request a reduced bond.
- Do Not Contact Law Enforcement Alone - Speaking with police without legal representation can harm your case. What you say may be used against you. Always consult your attorney first.
- Prepare for Court - Your lawyer will help you gather the necessary documents, receipts, character reference letters, or evidence that may reduce your penalties or convince the judge to recall the warrant and not impose a jail sentence.
What If You Live Out of State
If you live outside California and discover you have a warrant in Los Angeles, it is especially important to act quickly. A criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles can often handle much of the process for you. For arrest warrants, your lawyer may contact the prosecutor’s office to arrange a voluntary surrender, which can help minimize penalties and embarrassment. For bench warrants, the options depend on the type of charge: if it’s a misdemeanor, your attorney may be able to appear in court on your behalf without you traveling back. If it’s a felony, however, you will need to appear in person. Keep in mind that active warrants can result in detention at airports, during interstate travel, or even while traveling internationally. In some cases, individuals have been held and extradited back to Los Angeles. Addressing your warrant through an attorney before traveling is always the safest option.
Take Action Now
If you have a warrant in Los Angeles, doing nothing is the worst option. Every day you wait increases your risk of arrest and limits your legal options. Our experienced lawyers at Stephen G Rodriguez & Partnerscan resolve your issue, protect your rights, manage the court process, and fight for the best outcome. Don’t risk arrest! Call us for a confidential consultation at 213-481-6811.