Professional Warrant Attorney in Newport Beach

In Newport Beach, bench warrants and arrest warrants serve different purposes. A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court or comply with a court order, and it does not involve any suspected criminal activity. The term “bench” refers to the judge’s bench, as the warrant is issued directly by the court. Arrest warrants, on the other hand, are typically issued after law enforcement has gathered enough evidence to suspect someone of a crime. Both types of warrants, however, give law enforcement the authority to take the person into custody.

In Newport Beach, a bench warrant is issued when an individual fails to appear for a court hearing or disregards a court order. Once the judge issues the warrant, law enforcement has the right to arrest the individual and bring them before the court. If you have a bench warrant in your name, it’s important to consult with a criminal defense attorney like My Rights Law, who can help you navigate the legal process and potentially prevent your arrest.

Bench warrants in Newport Beach do not have an expiration date. They remain active until the person is brought before the court or the issue is resolved. This means you cannot simply ignore a bench warrant and hope it will go away over time. Whether the warrant was issued last week or years ago, it remains a legal matter that must be addressed. Waiting it out can lead to more severe consequences, so it’s crucial to take immediate action with the help of a skilled lawyer.

If a bench warrant has been issued for you in Newport Beach, acting quickly is essential to avoid being taken into custody. You should immediately seek assistance from a knowledgeable Newport Beach criminal defense lawyer, such as My Rights Law, to handle the situation. A qualified attorney can often help resolve the warrant by appearing in court on your behalf, possibly preventing an arrest, and negotiating with the court to minimize the impact of the warrant on your record.

An arrest warrant is a legal document that gives law enforcement the authority to take you into custody. In Newport Beach, arrest warrants are typically issued when police or prosecutors believe there is enough evidence to charge you with a crime. However, unlike a bench warrant, which is issued due to failure to comply with a court order, an arrest warrant is based on suspected criminal activity. The warrant will include details such as your name, the charges against you, and the judge’s signature, ensuring that law enforcement has the legal grounds to detain you.

Failure to appear in court, also known as “FTA,” is a criminal offense in Newport Beach under California Penal Code 1320 and 1320.5. If you were released on your own recognizance and fail to appear for a scheduled court date, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the original charges. Misdemeanor cases lead to misdemeanor FTAs, while felony charges result in more serious felony FTAs. It’s important to appear in court when required to avoid additional charges and penalties.

In Newport Beach, the penalties for failing to appear in court can be severe. For a misdemeanor failure to appear, you may face up to six months in county jail and a fine. For a felony failure to appear, the penalties can increase to a one-to-three-year sentence in state prison. These consequences are separate from any penalties related to the original charges for which you failed to appear. It’s critical to seek legal counsel if you find yourself facing a failure to appear charge to minimize the impact on your future.