Professional Warrant Attorney in Arcadia

In Arcadia, bench warrants and arrest warrants serve different purposes, though both can lead to serious consequences. A bench warrant is typically issued when someone fails to appear in court or comply with court orders. Unlike arrest warrants, which are issued based on suspected criminal activity, bench warrants are administrative and come from the judge’s “bench.” They still authorize law enforcement to arrest you but stem from procedural violations, not necessarily criminal conduct.

A bench warrant in Arcadia authorizes law enforcement to arrest you because you failed to appear for a court date or comply with certain legal obligations. This type of warrant gives officers the authority to take you into custody and bring you before the judge who issued the warrant. It’s critical to address this immediately with the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney. In Arcadia and across Los Angeles County, our legal team at My Rights Law can guide you through the process of resolving the warrant before you’re arrested.

In Arcadia, bench warrants do not have an expiration date. They remain active until they are resolved. Whether it’s been months or years, the warrant will still appear on your record and can lead to arrest at any moment. It’s a common misconception that these warrants “go away” after a certain amount of time—this simply isn’t true in California. It’s in your best interest to handle a bench warrant as soon as possible to avoid the risk of sudden arrest.

If you have a bench warrant in Arcadia, immediate action is key to avoiding arrest. The first step is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like My Rights Law. We can assist in quashing the warrant, which means getting it dismissed by the court, potentially before any arrest occurs. Having a lawyer by your side helps ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and increases the chances of resolving the situation with minimal consequences.

An arrest warrant is a legal document that allows law enforcement in Arcadia to detain you for a crime. Unlike a bench warrant, which is issued for procedural reasons, an arrest warrant is based on suspicion of criminal activity. A judge will issue this type of warrant when there is probable cause to believe you’ve committed a crime. The warrant must include specific details like your name, the crime in question, and the judge’s signature to be valid. Once issued, police are authorized to take you into custody, and it’s critical to have legal representation to protect your rights.

Failing to appear in court as required is a crime in Arcadia and across California. Under Penal Code 1320, if you’re out on your own recognizance and you willfully miss your court date, it’s a criminal offense. If you’re out on bail and miss a felony court date, you face more severe penalties under Penal Code 1320.5. Whether the underlying charge is a misdemeanor or felony determines whether your failure to appear will be classified the same way. It’s crucial to take court dates seriously, as failing to attend can significantly escalate your legal troubles.

In Arcadia, failing to appear in court can carry severe penalties depending on the original charge. For misdemeanors, you could face up to six months in county jail and fines. If you were supposed to appear for a felony, the penalties become more severe, potentially leading to one to three years in jail or state prison. These punishments are in addition to any penalties from the original charge. Moreover, if you were out on bail and willfully missed your court date, you could face additional felony charges. Consulting with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is critical to understanding and mitigating these consequences.