Professional Warrant Attorney in Granada Hills

In Granada Hills, bench warrants are frequently issued and serve a different purpose than arrest warrants. While arrest warrants are typically issued based on suspected criminal activity, bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or comply with a court order. The term “bench” refers to the judge’s bench, as the warrant is issued directly by a judge for reasons unrelated to an ongoing criminal investigation.

A bench warrant in Granada Hills is initiated by a judge when someone does not show up for a scheduled court appearance. Once the warrant is issued, law enforcement has the authority to arrest you and bring you to court. In Los Angeles County, including Granada Hills, having an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in resolving a bench warrant before it leads to arrest.

A bench warrant issued in Granada Hills does not have an expiration date. It remains in effect until the individual either resolves it in court or is arrested. Unlike other legal matters, there is no “waiting out” a bench warrant. Regardless of how much time passes, the warrant will stay on your record, and failing to address it can lead to more severe consequences.

If you have a bench warrant in Granada Hills, the first step is to seek legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney like My Rights Law. A lawyer can often file a motion to quash the warrant, which could prevent your arrest. It is crucial to act quickly to avoid complications that could arise from law enforcement executing the warrant.

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and take you into custody, typically following an investigation that establishes probable cause. In Granada Hills, arrest warrants are issued by judges when there is sufficient evidence that you have committed a crime. Unlike a bench warrant, which is issued for failing to comply with court orders, an arrest warrant involves active suspicion of criminal behavior. Law enforcement officers must present evidence to a judge to obtain this warrant.

In Granada Hills, failure to appear in court is a serious offense under California law. If you were released on your own recognizance and miss your court date, you could be charged under Penal Code 1320. However, if you were out on bail and fail to appear, you could face even harsher penalties under Penal Code 1320.5. The consequences vary depending on the original charges you faced—failure to appear for a misdemeanor charge is a misdemeanor, while failure to appear for a felony charge escalates to a felony.

The penalties for failure to appear in Granada Hills can be quite severe. If you fail to appear for a misdemeanor charge, you could face up to six months in county jail and a substantial fine. For a felony charge, you might be sentenced to one to three years in state prison. These penalties are in addition to any punishment related to your original charges. If you were out on bail and intentionally failed to appear, a felony charge under Penal Code 1320.5 could be added to your case. Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer is essential to understanding your legal options.