Professional Warrant Attorney in Mission Viejo

In Mission Viejo, bench warrants serve a different purpose compared to arrest warrants. A bench warrant is typically issued when an individual fails to appear in court or comply with a court order. It is named after the bench, symbolizing the authority of the judge. Unlike arrest warrants, which are based on suspected criminal behavior, a bench warrant arises from non-compliance with court procedures.

A bench warrant in Mission Viejo is issued by a judge if you fail to appear in court as scheduled or do not follow a court order. Once issued, law enforcement has the legal authority to arrest you and bring you before the court. It’s critical to take prompt action if you discover a bench warrant has been issued in your name, as delaying could lead to an unexpected arrest. An experienced criminal defense attorney, like those at My Rights Law, can guide you in resolving the issue before it escalates.

Bench warrants in Mission Viejo remain active indefinitely until they are addressed. They do not expire or automatically drop off your record, which means that even if a significant amount of time has passed, the warrant will still exist until you take steps to resolve it. This can result in long-term consequences if not handled properly, such as an arrest at any time. Avoiding a bench warrant in the hopes it will fade away is not an option.

If you have a bench warrant issued for your arrest in Mission Viejo, it’s crucial to act immediately. Ignoring the warrant can result in arrest at any moment, whether during a routine traffic stop or even at your home. The most effective way to handle a bench warrant is to work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer like those at My Rights Law. With their knowledge of local courts and legal processes, they can often negotiate with the court to have the warrant quashed, potentially preventing your arrest and minimizing further consequences.

An arrest warrant in Mission Viejo gives law enforcement the legal right to detain and bring you into custody. Typically, an arrest warrant is issued when there is probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime. Unlike a bench warrant, an arrest warrant is based on criminal activity, and it must be authorized by a judge. The arrest warrant must contain key details such as the suspect’s name, the alleged crime, the date of issuance, and the judge’s signature. Law enforcement cannot arrest you without a warrant unless the crime was committed in their presence.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense under California law. If you are required to attend court in Mission Viejo and you fail to show up, you can be charged with a crime under Penal Code 1320 or 1320.5. The exact charges depend on the original case. If you were released on your own recognizance and failed to appear, it’s considered a misdemeanor if related to a misdemeanor charge, or a felony if connected to a felony case. Missing a court date, whether for arraignment or sentencing, can lead to severe consequences.

The penalties for failing to appear in Mission Viejo are serious. If you fail to appear for a misdemeanor case, you could face up to six months in jail and a substantial fine. For felony cases, the penalties can be even harsher, including a one to three-year jail or prison sentence. These penalties are in addition to any punishment related to the original charge for which you failed to appear. It’s vital to seek legal counsel from a criminal defense lawyer to understand the full scope of the penalties and how to minimize them.