Professional Warrant Attorney in Huntington Beach

In Huntington Beach, bench warrants differ from regular arrest warrants in that they are typically issued when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or disobeys a court order, rather than being tied to the suspicion of a crime. The term “bench” comes from the judge’s bench, where these warrants originate. Unlike arrest warrants, bench warrants are not linked to criminal activity but rather to non-compliance with the judicial process.

When a judge in Huntington Beach issues a bench warrant, it authorizes law enforcement to arrest you because you failed to show up for a court hearing or failed to comply with a court order. Once the warrant is active, police officers can arrest you on sight, taking you into custody and bringing you before the court. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney like My Rights Law can help you address this issue before an arrest is made, possibly allowing for the warrant to be resolved without you being detained.

A bench warrant in Huntington Beach does not expire. Once issued, it remains in effect indefinitely until the matter is resolved in court. You cannot simply wait for the warrant to “go away.” This means it will remain on your record until you appear in court and deal with it. The law is structured this way to prevent individuals from evading justice. As long as the bench warrant is active, law enforcement can arrest you at any time.

If you have a bench warrant in Huntington Beach, it’s critical to act immediately. The first step is contacting a skilled criminal defense lawyer like those at My Rights Law. With our knowledge of local courts and legal procedures, we can work to have the warrant recalled or quashed, potentially preventing your arrest. Ignoring the warrant only increases the chances of being arrested at a later, possibly more inconvenient time.

An arrest warrant in Huntington Beach is a legal document signed by a judge, giving police the authority to arrest a specific individual. It is typically issued after law enforcement provides evidence that a person is suspected of committing a crime. Unlike bench warrants, arrest warrants directly stem from allegations of criminal activity. An arrest warrant must include the suspect’s name, the alleged crime, and details about the warrant’s issuance, including the judge’s signature. Police may execute the arrest once the warrant is granted, and the suspect will be taken into custody.

Failure to appear in court, as defined under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, is a serious offense in Huntington Beach. Whether you were released on your own recognizance or out on bail, failing to show up for your court date can lead to additional charges. If you were released on your own recognizance and fail to appear, the offense is generally treated as a misdemeanor. However, if you were out on bail for a felony and fail to appear, the consequences can include felony charges. The repercussions can be severe, making it essential to have legal representation if this occurs.

In Huntington Beach, the penalties for failing to appear in court can include significant jail time and fines. If your failure to appear is tied to a misdemeanor charge, you could face up to six months in county jail and a fine. However, if it is linked to a felony charge, you could be looking at one to three years in jail or state prison. These penalties are separate from any consequences related to your original charges, making it crucial to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to understand the full scope of your situation.