Professional Warrant Attorney in Riverside

In Riverside, bench warrants are frequently issued by judges when an individual fails to appear in court or does not comply with court orders. Unlike regular arrest warrants, which are based on suspected criminal activity, a bench warrant arises from court proceedings, not an ongoing criminal investigation. The name “bench” refers to the judge’s seat in the courtroom, indicating it was issued directly by the court due to non-compliance or absence.

A bench warrant in Riverside is typically issued by a judge if you fail to attend a scheduled court appearance. Once issued, this allows law enforcement officers to arrest you and bring you to court. However, you don’t have to wait to be arrested. By hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, like those at My Rights Law, you can take proactive steps to address the warrant, possibly avoiding arrest and resolving the matter through legal channels.

Bench warrants in Riverside do not have an expiration date. Once issued, they remain active until they are resolved in court. There’s no way to simply “wait out” a bench warrant, as it will remain on your record indefinitely. This ongoing status encourages people to face the court system rather than trying to avoid it. Whether it’s been a week or several years since the warrant was issued, the only way to remove it is to take legal action with the help of a defense attorney.

If you have a bench warrant issued for your arrest in Riverside, it’s crucial to act swiftly to avoid potential arrest. A defense attorney from My Rights Law can help by petitioning the court to recall or quash the warrant. This legal approach can minimize the likelihood of an arrest and put you in a stronger position when addressing the underlying reasons for the warrant.

An arrest warrant allows law enforcement in Riverside to take you into custody if they have probable cause to believe you’ve committed a crime. These warrants are typically issued after an investigation and a formal request from police or prosecutors. Unlike bench warrants, arrest warrants are rooted in suspected criminal conduct and provide police with the authority to detain you. A valid arrest warrant must include key details such as your name, the alleged offense, the issuing judge’s signature, and the jurisdiction where it applies.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense in Riverside, as outlined by Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. Whether you’re released on your own recognizance or out on bail for a felony, willfully not attending a scheduled court date can result in additional criminal charges. For misdemeanor cases, failure to appear is treated as a misdemeanor, while felony cases make it a felony offense. Appearing in court as required is crucial to avoid escalating your legal situation.

In Riverside, penalties for failing to appear in court can be severe. Depending on the original charge, you could face:

Up to six months in county jail and a fine for misdemeanor cases.
One to three years in state prison for felony cases. Additionally, these penalties are imposed on top of any other sentences for the original offense. If you were out on bail and knowingly failed to appear, you may face even more severe charges, including a felony charge under Penal Code 1320.5. It’s essential to work with a criminal defense lawyer to avoid these harsh penalties and manage the situation effectively.