Professional Warrant Attorney in Hollywood

In Hollywood, bench warrants are more commonly issued compared to arrest warrants. A bench warrant is typically issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or does not comply with a court order. Unlike an arrest warrant, which is issued based on suspected criminal activity, a bench warrant is a directive from the judge, often associated with administrative issues rather than new criminal charges. It is named after the “bench,” symbolizing the judge’s authority.

When you fail to show up for a scheduled court hearing in Hollywood, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This warrant grants law enforcement the power to arrest you and bring you before the court. If you have an outstanding bench warrant in Los Angeles County, hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer, such as My Rights Law, is crucial. We can help you navigate the legal process and work toward resolving the warrant before any arrest is made.

Bench warrants in Hollywood remain active indefinitely until they are resolved. They do not have an expiration date, meaning they will stay on your record until you take the appropriate steps to address them. This ensures that individuals cannot simply avoid a warrant by waiting for a period of time to pass. Regardless of how much time has passed, the warrant will continue to be in effect, and law enforcement retains the authority to act on it.

If a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest in Hollywood, taking immediate legal action is critical to avoid being taken into custody. Contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney, like those at My Rights Law, can help. We can guide you through the process of clearing the warrant, often by quashing it before any arrest is made. Addressing the issue proactively can prevent the warrant from escalating and protect your rights.

An arrest warrant gives police in Hollywood legal authority to detain you based on suspicion of committing a crime. Unlike a bench warrant, an arrest warrant is issued after an investigation into criminal behavior has taken place, and law enforcement has identified you as a suspect. The warrant must include key details such as your name, the alleged crime, and the signature of a judge. Police cannot arrest you without a valid warrant unless they witness the crime firsthand. Judges issue arrest warrants following an investigation or after a grand jury indictment.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. If you were released on your own recognizance and failed to appear for a scheduled court date, it is a violation of Penal Code 1320. If you were out on bail for a felony and did not appear, it falls under Penal Code 1320.5. This crime is treated according to the nature of your original charges: for misdemeanor charges, failure to appear is a misdemeanor; for felony charges, it becomes a felony. It is crucial to appear in court as required to avoid compounding legal consequences.

In Hollywood, the penalties for failing to appear in court can be harsh, including:

Up to six months in county jail and a substantial fine for misdemeanors.
A sentence of one to three years in jail or prison for felony charges.
These penalties are in addition to any consequences related to the original offense that brought you to court. If you were out on bail and failed to appear, you could face felony charges under section 1320.5. To fully understand the severity of these penalties and protect your rights, consulting with a criminal defense attorney is essential.