Professional Warrant Attorney in Monterey

In Monterey, bench warrants are commonly issued when someone fails to comply with a court order, such as missing a court appearance. These differ from arrest warrants, which are typically issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. A bench warrant is named after the judge’s “bench” and is not based on new criminal activity, but rather a failure to adhere to court procedures.

A bench warrant in Monterey is issued by a judge when you do not show up for a scheduled court appearance. Once the warrant is active, law enforcement has the authority to arrest you on sight. If you discover that there is a bench warrant for your arrest, it is critical to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Monterey. With proper legal representation, you may be able to resolve the warrant before you are taken into custody.

In Monterey, bench warrants do not expire. Once a bench warrant is issued, it remains in effect until you resolve the issue in court. The court system does not allow individuals to wait out a warrant or hope it will disappear. A bench warrant can lead to your arrest at any time, and it will remain on your record until it is properly addressed.

If you have a bench warrant in Monterey, it is crucial to address the matter immediately. Ignoring a bench warrant can result in your arrest. The best course of action is to hire a seasoned Monterey criminal defense lawyer, like My Rights Law, who can work to resolve the issue. Your attorney can file a motion to quash the warrant, which could prevent you from being arrested and give you the opportunity to handle the matter in court.

An arrest warrant in Monterey is issued when law enforcement believes there is probable cause to arrest someone for committing a crime. This type of warrant gives police the legal authority to arrest and take you into custody. The process for obtaining an arrest warrant involves law enforcement presenting evidence to a judge, who then decides whether there is enough probable cause to issue the warrant. In some cases, an arrest warrant may be issued after a grand jury indictment.

Failure to appear in court, defined under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5, is a serious offense in Monterey. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, failing to appear is considered a crime. If you were released on your own recognizance (1320 PC) and failed to show up for a court date, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the original charges. If you were released on bail for a felony (1320.5 PC) and failed to appear, you would face felony charges.

In Monterey, the penalties for failing to appear in court can be severe. For misdemeanor cases, you could face up to six months in county jail and fines. For felony cases, penalties include one to three years in jail or state prison. These penalties are in addition to any consequences from the original charges. If you fail to appear while out on bail, you could be charged under Penal Code 1320.5, which carries even harsher penalties.