Professional Warrant Attorney in La Habra

In La Habra, bench warrants are distinct from arrest warrants in their purpose. A bench warrant is typically issued when someone fails to comply with a court order or neglects to appear in court for a scheduled hearing. Unlike an arrest warrant, it is not based on an accusation of committing a crime, but rather on disobedience to the court’s requirements. The term “bench” refers to the judge’s seat, symbolizing that the order comes directly from the court.

A bench warrant in La Habra authorizes law enforcement to arrest you due to a failure to appear in court for a scheduled proceeding. This warrant gives police the authority to detain you and present you before the court. If you are aware that a bench warrant has been issued against you in Orange County, you should immediately consult with a criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney from My Rights Law can help resolve the situation before it escalates into an arrest.

Bench warrants in La Habra remain active indefinitely until they are cleared by the court. This means that they do not expire, and ignoring the warrant won’t cause it to go away. It is a persistent legal issue that remains on your record until properly addressed. If you attempt to avoid the bench warrant, you could face ongoing legal consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to take swift action and work with an attorney to resolve the warrant.

To resolve a bench warrant, immediate action is essential. Failure to address the issue may result in your arrest at any time. The most effective way to handle a bench warrant is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in La Habra, such as My Rights Law. Your attorney can work to quash the warrant and possibly avoid an arrest altogether. Acting quickly will minimize the disruption to your life and reduce the risk of serious legal consequences.

An arrest warrant allows law enforcement to detain a person suspected of committing a crime. Arrest warrants are issued after a judge is presented with evidence that establishes probable cause. This evidence can come from a police investigation or a declaration by a district attorney. While arrest warrants are generally issued for serious crimes, it’s important to note that not every situation requires one. If law enforcement witnesses a crime, they can arrest a person without a warrant. However, for other scenarios, such as crimes under investigation, a warrant is necessary to legally take someone into custody.

Failure to appear in court is a criminal offense under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, depending on whether you were released on your own recognizance or on bail for a felony charge. If you fail to appear for a misdemeanor hearing, it remains a misdemeanor; if the original charge was a felony, failing to appear can result in felony charges. This emphasizes how vital it is to attend all court appearances, regardless of the nature of the charges.

In La Habra, the consequences for failing to appear in court are severe and depend on the charges you were originally facing. You could face penalties such as:

Up to six months in county jail and fines for a misdemeanor.
Up to three years in jail or state prison for a felony.
These penalties are in addition to any consequences you may face for the initial charge you were supposed to address in court. Failing to appear can complicate your legal situation, making it even more critical to seek the counsel of a criminal defense attorney.