Professional Warrant Attorney in Ontario

In Ontario, bench warrants are quite common and differ from arrest warrants. A bench warrant is typically issued when an individual fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order, such as paying fines or attending a scheduled hearing. It is referred to as a “bench” warrant because it is issued by the judge presiding from the bench, rather than for criminal conduct. Unlike an arrest warrant, which is usually based on suspicion of a crime, a bench warrant is about enforcing court obligations.

When you miss a court date or fail to comply with court orders in Ontario, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Once this warrant is issued, law enforcement has the legal authority to take you into custody and bring you before the court. The process can result in immediate arrest if you are stopped by police, and your warrant may show up during routine traffic stops or background checks. It’s crucial to resolve a bench warrant promptly to avoid arrest.

In Ontario, bench warrants do not expire or go away on their own. They remain active indefinitely until the individual appears before the court or the warrant is formally resolved. Ignoring the warrant is not a viable strategy, as it can lead to unexpected arrests at any time. Whether it has been months or years, the warrant will remain on record, potentially complicating matters such as renewing a driver’s license or securing employment.

If a bench warrant has been issued in your name in Ontario, the first and most important step is to consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer, such as those at My Rights Law. Acting quickly is vital to prevent an unexpected arrest. Your lawyer can work on your behalf to resolve the warrant, which may involve negotiating a new court date or petitioning the court to quash the warrant. Having professional legal representation ensures that you navigate the legal system properly and minimize the risk of severe consequences.

An arrest warrant allows Ontario police to legally take you into custody, typically following an investigation into alleged criminal activity. Unlike bench warrants, which are issued for failing to comply with court orders, arrest warrants focus on criminal accusations. The police need to establish probable cause before a judge can issue this type of warrant, meaning there must be evidence linking you to a crime. The warrant will include details such as your name, the alleged crime, and the judge’s authorization.

Failure to appear in Ontario is a serious offense and occurs when an individual willfully misses a scheduled court date. This act violates the court’s orders and can result in a bench warrant being issued. Depending on whether you were required to appear for a misdemeanor or felony charge, the failure to appear can lead to additional criminal charges. In many cases, it also results in increased penalties or fines related to the original offense, which can complicate your legal situation further.

In Ontario, failing to appear in court can result in serious consequences. If you were supposed to attend a hearing and did not show up, you could face jail time, fines, or even additional criminal charges. For a misdemeanor, the penalties include up to six months in county jail and significant fines. If the original offense was a felony, the penalties for failure to appear could include one to three years of imprisonment. These penalties are imposed on top of any existing charges, making it essential to address the issue quickly with the help of a criminal defense lawyer.