Professional Warrant Attorney in Long Beach

Bench warrants are commonly issued in Long Beach and differ from arrest warrants in their purpose. While arrest warrants are issued for suspected criminal activity, a bench warrant is typically issued when someone fails to comply with a court order, such as not appearing for a scheduled court hearing. Named after the “bench” where the judge sits, a bench warrant is not based on suspicion of a crime but rather on a procedural failure.

In Long Beach, a bench warrant is issued by a judge when you fail to appear in court as required. This type of warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the court. If a bench warrant has been issued for you in Los Angeles County, it is vital to consult a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help address the issue. Without proper legal intervention, the authorities can arrest you at any time.

A bench warrant in Long Beach does not expire. Once issued, it remains in effect until you take action to resolve it. This can only be done through the court. Ignoring a bench warrant won’t make it go away, and attempting to avoid it can result in additional consequences. The best way to deal with it is by working with an experienced attorney who can help you clear the warrant and avoid further legal complications.

If a bench warrant has been issued for you in Long Beach, immediate action is critical. Law enforcement has the authority to arrest you, so it’s essential to address the warrant as soon as possible. Hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, such as My Rights Law, is your best course of action. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, possibly quash the warrant, and prevent an arrest from occurring.

An arrest warrant allows law enforcement to take you into custody based on probable cause that you’ve committed a crime. Unlike bench warrants, arrest warrants are typically the result of criminal investigations. In Long Beach, if an officer suspects you of a crime, they may request a judge to issue an arrest warrant, which must include details such as your name, the crime you are accused of, and the judge’s signature. This gives police the legal authority to arrest you and bring you into custody.

Failure to appear in court, as outlined under Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, is a criminal offense. Whether you were released on your own recognizance or out on bail for a felony charge, not appearing in court as required is a serious matter. In Long Beach, failing to appear for a misdemeanor hearing results in a misdemeanor charge, while failing to appear for a felony charge leads to a felony offense. It’s crucial to meet all court obligations to avoid additional criminal charges.

In Long Beach, failing to appear in court carries significant penalties. For a misdemeanor charge, you could face up to six months in county jail and a substantial fine. For felony charges, the penalties can range from one to three years in prison. These consequences are in addition to any penalties related to your original offense. If you were out on bail and failed to appear, you could be facing a felony under Penal Code 1320.5. It’s essential to consult a criminal defense lawyer to understand the full scope of the legal repercussions.