Professional Warrant Attorney in Brea

In Brea, bench warrants are commonly issued and differ significantly from arrest warrants. A bench warrant is typically issued by a judge when a person fails to comply with court orders, such as missing a scheduled court appearance. Unlike an arrest warrant, which is based on alleged criminal activity, a bench warrant is a directive from the judge’s bench, ordering your appearance in court for reasons unrelated to a new criminal charge.

When you fail to appear in court or follow a court order, a judge in Brea can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This warrant gives law enforcement the authority to detain you and bring you before the court. Having a bench warrant can lead to an unexpected arrest at any time, so it is crucial to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. With proper legal representation, you can take steps to address the warrant and potentially avoid being taken into custody.

Bench warrants issued in Brea do not have an expiration date. Once a bench warrant is issued, it remains in effect until the individual complies with the court order or resolves the warrant. Unlike other legal matters that may have time limits, a bench warrant stays active indefinitely, meaning you cannot simply wait for it to “go away.” It will remain on your record and can result in arrest until addressed through legal means.

If you have a bench warrant in Brea, the best course of action is to seek immediate legal assistance. A qualified criminal defense attorney, like those at My Rights Law, can help you navigate the legal process and may be able to resolve the warrant without you being arrested. This can involve filing a motion to quash the warrant or appearing on your behalf in court to explain the circumstances that led to the issuance of the warrant. Acting quickly is essential to avoid further legal complications.

An arrest warrant gives law enforcement in Brea the legal authority to arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. It is issued by a judge based on evidence presented by the police or prosecutor. Arrest warrants are different from bench warrants in that they pertain specifically to criminal charges, rather than failure to comply with court orders. The warrant will specify the person to be arrested, the alleged crime, and the legal jurisdiction in which the warrant is issued.

Failure to appear in court as scheduled is a serious offense under California Penal Code sections 1320 and 1320.5. If you are released on your own recognizance or bail and fail to show up for a required court appearance, you may face additional criminal charges. In Brea, the penalties for failure to appear vary depending on the nature of the original charge. If you were supposed to appear for a misdemeanor, the failure is classified as a misdemeanor. If it was for a felony, the failure becomes a felony offense itself.

In Brea, failing to appear in court can result in severe penalties. For a misdemeanor failure to appear, you may face up to six months in county jail and additional fines. For felony cases, the penalties can escalate to a prison sentence of one to three years. These consequences are in addition to any penalties related to the original charges for which you were required to appear. If you fail to appear while out on bail, the situation becomes even more serious, potentially leading to felony charges under Penal Code 1320.5. Consulting a skilled criminal defense attorney is critical to understanding your legal options and minimizing these penalties.