Professional Warrant Attorney in Fullerton

In Fullerton, bench warrants are often issued when someone fails to comply with a court order, like not appearing for a scheduled hearing. They differ from arrest warrants, which are generally issued when someone is suspected of committing a crime. A bench warrant is essentially an order from a judge to bring the individual to court, not based on criminal suspicion but for failing to follow the court’s directives.

A bench warrant in Fullerton is issued by a judge when you miss a scheduled court appearance. Once this happens, law enforcement is authorized to arrest you at any time. This type of warrant remains active until the matter is resolved in court. If you suspect a bench warrant has been issued in your name, contacting an experienced Fullerton criminal defense attorney, like My Rights Law, is essential to avoid being arrested unexpectedly.

A bench warrant issued in Fullerton does not expire. It stays in effect indefinitely until it is addressed. Even if significant time has passed, the warrant remains active, and law enforcement can act on it at any time. Ignoring a bench warrant will not make it go away, so it’s critical to take swift action with the help of a defense lawyer who can guide you through the process of resolving it.

To address a bench warrant in Fullerton, you must act promptly. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can assist in negotiating with the court to potentially quash or recall the warrant. At My Rights Law, we can represent you in court, ensuring that you handle the warrant properly and avoid unnecessary arrests or complications with law enforcement.

An arrest warrant allows law enforcement in Fullerton to take someone into custody, typically when they are suspected of committing a crime. Unlike bench warrants, arrest warrants require probable cause, meaning law enforcement must present evidence to a judge that a crime has occurred and that the individual named in the warrant is likely responsible. Arrest warrants contain specific details, including the name of the suspect, the crime, and the signature of a judge, giving the police legal authority to proceed with an arrest.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense in Fullerton, as outlined in California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. If you were released on your own recognizance or posted bail and fail to appear, you could be charged with an additional crime. The nature of the charge—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on the severity of the original offense. This is why it’s essential to meet all court obligations to avoid further legal trouble.

In Fullerton, failure to appear can lead to significant penalties. For misdemeanor cases, you could face up to six months in county jail and a fine. If the original charge was a felony, failing to appear can result in a one-to-three-year sentence in state prison. These penalties are in addition to the consequences of the original charge. It is critical to consult with a criminal defense lawyer to navigate the legal ramifications and minimize potential penalties.