Arrest Warrants & Bench Warrants
Clearing and Recalling Warrants in California
Worried about being arrested on an outstanding warrant? The fear of being arrested for an outstanding warrant is an overwhelming and frightening experience. Dodging and evading a warrant can be stressful. It can take a toll on the defendant and ultimately lead to more severe consequences than if the defendant (fugitive) voluntarily went to court and appeared before the judge. But what can happen in court?
That's why you need us. We are dedicated Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys with over 70 years of combined legal experience. If you suspect or find out that there is an arrest warrant or bench warrant with your name on it, call our office now for a no-charge consultation. If you have an outstanding warrant, especially in Los Angeles County, there are few officers, if any, who would ignore the order to arrest you and take you to jail.
How Arrest Warrants Work in California
An arrest warrant is a formal document authorizing and directing law enforcement officers to arrest an individual. It is issued by a judge upon a showing of probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the individual in question (the person named in the arrest warrant) has committed the crime. In most situations, people are not aware that an arrest warrant exists until they are arrested by the police.
Arrest warrants are based on sworn declarations by a police officer, District Attorney, or witness stating facts that establish a crime specified in the warrant. The facts contained in the declaration must establish probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. A judge reviews the declaration and must find probable cause that the offense described in the declaration was committed by the defendant before issuing the warrant.
When could a bench warrant be issued in Los Angeles?
A bench warrant is an order by a judge from the bench, directing that an individual be brought before the court for failing to appear for the following reasons:
- Failure to appear in person as ordered by the judge
- Failure to appear after an Indictment or Information was filed
- Failure to appear in court as ordered after posting bail
- Failure to appear in court after being released on your own recognizance
- Failure to appear after being issued a citation by a police officer
- Failure to pay a fine or restitution as ordered by the court
- Failure to appear in court after being served a subpoena
- Failure to appear for a progress report or sentencing
- Failure to otherwise abide by the conditions of probation
How Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners Can Help
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 you with your warrant, you could be at a huge disadvantage if you try to represent yourself.
The criminal defense lawyers at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners can help by:
- Recalling your warrant and helping you to avoid going to jail
- Knowing what documents are needed for a favorable resolution
- Knowing how to explain to the judge the reasons for the warrant
- Convincing the court to release you on your own recognizance
- Arguing for a reasonable bail or a reduction of the bail amount.
If you have an outstanding arrest warrant or bench warrant, you can be arrested without notice. Do not attempt to talk to the judge yourself. The judge has heard every excuse and will likely not have the patience or desire to listen to you. Let Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners assist you in handling your bench warrant or arrest warrant matter.
Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to assist you in resolving a bench warrant or arrest warrant. We will review your case for free!
