Professional Warrant Attorney in Glendale

In Glendale, bench warrants are often issued for reasons that differ from those of regular arrest warrants. A bench warrant typically arises when an individual fails to comply with a court order or does not show up for a scheduled court appearance. Unlike an arrest warrant, which is issued when there is suspicion of a crime, a bench warrant is named after the judge’s “bench” and reflects the court’s authority. It’s not linked to any alleged criminal conduct, but rather to procedural noncompliance.

In Glendale, a bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date. Once the warrant is active, law enforcement has the authority to arrest you and bring you directly to court. If you know there is a bench warrant in your name in Los Angeles County, it’s crucial to seek help from a seasoned criminal defense attorney, like those at My Rights Law. We can guide you through the process and work to resolve the issue, often without the need for a public arrest.

Bench warrants in Glendale do not expire. Once issued, they remain on your record until addressed through the proper legal channels. Many people mistakenly believe they can “wait out” a warrant, but this is not the case. The warrant will continue to be active until the court has resolved it. Whether it has been a few weeks or several years, you will need to deal with the warrant to clear your record and avoid arrest.

If you have a bench warrant in Glendale, taking immediate action is essential to avoid arrest. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is your best move. At My Rights Law, we can work to resolve your bench warrant by requesting that the judge quash it. This means that the court will formally cancel the warrant, eliminating the immediate threat of arrest. Depending on the situation, we may also be able to arrange for a court appearance on your behalf, preventing the need for you to be taken into custody.

An arrest warrant allows law enforcement in Glendale to take you into custody based on a judge’s order. Typically, arrest warrants are issued when there is probable cause to believe you have committed a crime. Unlike a bench warrant, an arrest warrant relates directly to criminal activity. For an arrest warrant to be valid, it must include key details such as your name, the crime you’re accused of, the date of issuance, and the judge’s signature. Law enforcement usually requests an arrest warrant after conducting an investigation into the alleged crime.

Failure to appear is a criminal offense in Glendale that occurs when you do not attend a court date after being ordered to do so. This crime is covered under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, depending on whether you were released on your own recognizance or posted bail for a felony. Failing to appear for a misdemeanor court date results in a misdemeanor charge, while failing to appear for a felony court date results in a felony charge. This underscores the importance of attending all court appearances, no matter the underlying charges.

The penalties for failing to appear in Glendale are serious. If you miss a court date for a misdemeanor, you could face up to six months in county jail along with a fine. If you fail to appear for a felony, the penalties are even steeper, with a possible sentence of one to three years in state prison. Additionally, these penalties are separate from any consequences related to the original charges. Missing a court date can significantly worsen your legal situation, so it’s critical to consult with an attorney right away.