Professional Warrant Attorney in Cerritos

In Cerritos, bench warrants are frequently issued and serve a distinct purpose compared to arrest warrants. A bench warrant is issued when someone fails to comply with a court order, such as not attending a scheduled court appearance. It is named after the judge’s bench from which it is issued, and it does not arise from a suspected crime. Arrest warrants, on the other hand, are issued when there is probable cause to believe someone has committed a crime.

A bench warrant in Cerritos is issued by a judge if you fail to appear in court as required. Once issued, law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest you and bring you before the court. This can happen at any time, whether during a routine traffic stop or at your home. To avoid being arrested unexpectedly, it is crucial to address the warrant with the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Bench warrants in Cerritos remain active indefinitely. They do not expire or go away with time. Even if years pass, the warrant stays on your record until it is resolved. Waiting it out is not a viable option, as the warrant will lead to your arrest whenever you come into contact with law enforcement. Working with a skilled defense attorney is the best way to quash the warrant and resolve the matter.

If you have a bench warrant in Cerritos, it is crucial to act quickly. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you, and delaying action can result in immediate arrest. Your first step should be to consult a criminal defense attorney, like those at My Rights Law, who can work to quash the warrant. With professional legal guidance, you can often avoid being taken into custody and address the underlying legal issue in court.

An arrest warrant is a legal document authorizing law enforcement to take you into custody. Arrest warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime. A judge issues the warrant based on evidence provided by law enforcement or prosecutors. The warrant must include specific details, such as your name, the crime you’re accused of, and the judge’s signature. In Cerritos, arrest warrants give police the authority to bring you into custody to face the criminal charges.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense under California law, outlined in Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. If you are released on your own recognizance or bail and willfully fail to appear, it is considered a crime. The consequences depend on the underlying charges—if it’s a misdemeanor, your failure to appear is also a misdemeanor; if it’s a felony, the failure becomes a felony offense. It is essential to attend all scheduled court appearances to avoid additional criminal charges.

In Cerritos, failing to appear in court can result in significant penalties, including:

Up to six months in county jail and a fine if you missed a misdemeanor hearing.
A one to three-year sentence in jail or prison if you missed a felony court appearance.
These penalties are in addition to the consequences of the original charges you face. If you fail to appear while out on bail for a felony charge, you could be charged with a separate felony. Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer is critical to understanding the full scope of your legal situation.