Professional Warrant Attorney in Diamond Bar

In Diamond Bar, bench warrants differ from arrest warrants in purpose and scope. A bench warrant is issued not for a crime but because you failed to appear in court or comply with a court directive. Named after the “bench,” it is an order from a judge, not based on suspected illegal activity, but rather on non-compliance with the judicial process.

When you miss a scheduled court appearance or fail to fulfill a court order in Diamond Bar, a judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Law enforcement can then arrest you at any time and bring you before the court. If you are aware of an outstanding bench warrant, contacting a skilled defense attorney, such as those at My Rights Law, can help you resolve the matter before it escalates.

Bench warrants in Diamond Bar, like the rest of California, do not expire. They remain active until they are addressed. This indefinite nature prevents individuals from simply avoiding the legal system. The warrant stays on your record until you take legal steps to resolve it, so waiting for it to “go away” is not a solution.

If you discover that there’s a bench warrant issued against you in Diamond Bar, it’s critical to act quickly. Ignoring it can lead to your arrest at any time. By working with a seasoned criminal defense attorney from My Rights Law, you may be able to have the warrant quashed, avoiding potential arrest. We understand the legal system in Diamond Bar and can guide you through the process to minimize any legal consequences.

An arrest warrant is a court order that permits law enforcement to take you into custody. Typically, arrest warrants are issued after a criminal investigation identifies you as a suspect. In other cases, like failing to show up in court, a judge may issue an arrest warrant in addition to a bench warrant. While officers have the power to arrest someone who commits a crime in their presence, an arrest warrant is usually required in other situations. This warrant includes specific information, such as your name, the alleged crime, and the issuing judge’s details, to make it legally valid.

In California, failure to appear in court is considered a crime under Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, depending on whether you were released on your own recognizance or were out on bail for a felony. Failing to appear for a misdemeanor court date can lead to a misdemeanor charge, while missing a court appearance for a felony charge can result in a felony. Regardless of the original charges, the consequences for not appearing in court can be severe.

In Diamond Bar, failing to appear for a court date can result in significant penalties. For a misdemeanor, you could face up to six months in county jail and a fine. For more serious offenses, such as failing to appear for a felony charge, the penalties may include one to three years in prison. These penalties are in addition to any punishment for the original charge that led to the court date. If you are out on bail and willfully miss a court appearance, the consequences can be even more severe. A criminal defense attorney can help explain the full scope of penalties and provide legal guidance.