Professional Warrant Attorney in Murrieta

In Murrieta, bench warrants are commonly issued and differ significantly from arrest warrants. A bench warrant is typically issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or does not comply with a court order. It is called a “bench” warrant because it is issued directly by the judge, or “the bench,” and is not based on suspicion of criminal activity like an arrest warrant.

If you miss a court date in Murrieta, a judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This allows law enforcement to take you into custody and bring you before the court. Once the warrant is in place, officers can arrest you at any time. To avoid this outcome, it’s essential to address the warrant quickly. As a skilled criminal defense attorney, I can assist you in navigating the legal process and potentially resolving the warrant before you face arrest.

Bench warrants in Murrieta do not expire. They remain active until they are resolved. Some people mistakenly believe they can wait out a bench warrant, but this is not the case. The warrant will remain in effect indefinitely until you take steps to clear it. Ignoring it only increases the risk of arrest at an inconvenient or unexpected time, which is why it’s vital to take prompt legal action.

Resolving a bench warrant in Murrieta requires swift and deliberate action. If a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest, you must act quickly to avoid being taken into custody. By hiring an experienced Murrieta criminal defense attorney from My Rights Law, we can help you navigate the legal steps necessary to resolve the warrant. Often, we can work to have the warrant recalled or quashed, potentially avoiding an arrest altogether.

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take you into custody, typically after an investigation points to you as a suspect in a crime. In Murrieta, as in other parts of California, police can only arrest someone with a warrant unless the crime is committed in their presence. A judge issues an arrest warrant after reviewing evidence presented by law enforcement or a district attorney. The warrant must include specific details, such as your name, the alleged crime, and the judge’s signature. If you suspect an arrest warrant has been issued in your name, you should consult a criminal defense attorney immediately to explore your options.

Failing to appear in court when required is a criminal offense under California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony, failing to appear can have severe consequences. If you were released on your own recognizance and willfully failed to show up for court, this is considered a misdemeanor. If you were out on bail for a felony and fail to appear, it escalates to a felony offense. Failure to appear is treated seriously in Murrieta, as it undermines the court’s authority and can lead to additional charges.

In Murrieta, the penalties for failing to appear in court are severe. Depending on the original charges and circumstances, you could face up to six months in jail for a misdemeanor or even longer for a felony. Specifically:

A misdemeanor failure to appear can result in six months in jail and a fine.
A felony failure to appear can lead to a one- to three-year prison sentence.
These penalties are in addition to any punishment stemming from the original charge. Failing to appear is a significant offense, and it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to mitigate the consequences.