Professional Warrant Attorney in Aliso Viejo

In Aliso Viejo, bench warrants are more common than arrest warrants. A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to comply with a court order, such as missing a scheduled hearing. It’s called a “bench” warrant because it comes directly from the judge, or the “bench.” It’s important to note that a bench warrant is not the same as an arrest warrant, which is typically related to criminal accusations.

A bench warrant in Aliso Viejo is issued by a judge when you fail to appear for a court date or disobey a court order. Once the bench warrant is issued, local law enforcement is authorized to arrest you. If you are arrested, you’ll be brought before the court to address the issue. With the help of a skilled Aliso Viejo criminal defense attorney, like My Rights Law, you can resolve the warrant and avoid potential jail time.

A bench warrant in Aliso Viejo never expires. It remains active until you address it in court. Many people mistakenly believe they can “wait out” a warrant, but in California, that’s not the case. The warrant will stay on your record indefinitely until it is resolved, so it’s essential to take immediate action to clear it and avoid unnecessary arrests.

If you have a bench warrant in Aliso Viejo, it’s critical to resolve it quickly. The best way to handle it is by contacting a criminal defense lawyer at My Rights Law. We can work to have the warrant quashed or recalled by the court, preventing your arrest. Attempting to handle the matter alone can lead to unnecessary complications, but with the right legal representation, you can avoid severe consequences.

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to detain you and take you into custody. This differs from a bench warrant because arrest warrants are generally issued for individuals suspected of committing a crime. In Aliso Viejo, arrest warrants are typically issued after law enforcement provides evidence to a judge, who then signs off on the warrant. This document allows the police to actively pursue and arrest the named individual.

Under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, failure to appear in court is a criminal offense. If you were released on your own recognizance (without bail) and missed a court date, it’s a misdemeanor under Penal Code 1320. If you were out on bail for a felony and failed to appear, it becomes a felony under Penal Code 1320.5. Regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, failing to appear can lead to serious legal consequences in Aliso Viejo.

The penalties for failing to appear in Aliso Viejo can be severe:

If you fail to appear for a misdemeanor charge, you could face up to six months in jail and additional fines.
For a felony charge, failure to appear can lead to one to three years in state prison, on top of the penalties for the original crime.
Failing to appear, even for something as minor as an arraignment, can escalate the situation dramatically. It’s critical to consult with a criminal defense attorney at My Rights Law to understand your rights and reduce potential penalties.