Professional Warrant Attorney in Buena Park

In Buena Park, bench warrants differ from arrest warrants in their purpose. A bench warrant is typically issued when someone fails to appear in court or comply with a court order, rather than due to suspicion of criminal activity. The term “bench” refers to the judge issuing the warrant. In contrast, an arrest warrant is used when law enforcement suspects someone of committing a crime and seeks legal authority to arrest that person.

In Buena Park, if you miss a court date or disobey a court order, a judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This grants law enforcement the authority to arrest you and bring you before the court. If you believe a bench warrant has been issued for you, it’s crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney from My Rights Law can help you navigate the legal process and possibly prevent an arrest.

Bench warrants in Buena Park do not expire or go away over time. Once issued, they remain active indefinitely until you resolve the matter with the court. This is designed to ensure that individuals cannot evade their legal obligations simply by waiting. Regardless of how much time passes, the bench warrant will continue to be on your record, and legal action must be taken to resolve it.

If you have a bench warrant in Buena Park, immediate action is essential. A bench warrant allows law enforcement to arrest you at any time, which can disrupt your daily life. The best course of action is to consult with a criminal defense attorney. My Rights Law can assist in addressing the warrant, guiding you through the legal system, and, in many cases, preventing your arrest by negotiating the terms of the warrant or even having it quashed.

An arrest warrant in Buena Park is issued by a judge when there is probable cause that someone has committed a crime. It authorizes law enforcement to detain and bring the individual into custody. Unlike bench warrants, which are issued for failing to appear in court, arrest warrants are issued after an investigation determines there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. The warrant must include the suspect’s name, the alleged crime, and the judge’s signature.

Failure to appear (FTA) is a serious offense in Buena Park, covered under Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. If you are released on your own recognizance and fail to appear in court as scheduled, it’s a misdemeanor under 1320 PC. However, if you were out on bail for a felony and miss your court date, you could face a felony charge under 1320.5 PC. The penalties vary based on whether the underlying charge was a misdemeanor or a felony, making it critical to appear in court as required.

In Buena Park, failing to appear in court can lead to severe penalties, depending on the circumstances:

For a misdemeanor failure to appear, you may face up to six months in county jail and fines.
For a felony failure to appear, you could be sentenced to one to three years in jail or state prison.
These penalties are in addition to any consequences for the original charge you were supposed to address in court. If you were out on bail and failed to appear, the charges could escalate to a felony under Penal Code 1320.5. Consulting with a skilled criminal defense attorney is essential to understanding the full scope of the penalties you face.