Professional Warrant Attorney in Temecula

Bench warrants are quite common in Temecula and serve a different purpose than arrest warrants. While an arrest warrant is typically issued when someone is suspected of committing a crime, a bench warrant is issued when an individual fails to attend a scheduled court appearance or comply with court orders. The term “bench” refers to the judge’s bench, as the warrant is issued directly by the judge, not due to any alleged criminal conduct.

A bench warrant in Temecula is issued by a judge when you fail to appear in court for a required hearing. Once the warrant is in place, law enforcement has the authority to arrest you at any time. If you’re aware of an outstanding warrant in your name, it’s vital to act swiftly. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer from My Rights Law can help resolve the warrant before an arrest occurs, minimizing the disruption to your life.

In Temecula, bench warrants don’t expire. They remain active until the issue is addressed in court. This type of warrant is not something that can be ignored or “waited out.” Ignoring a bench warrant can lead to a sudden arrest at an inconvenient time, such as during a routine traffic stop. The best way to resolve it is to engage a defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and potentially quash the warrant.

If you have a bench warrant in Temecula, taking swift action is crucial. Bench warrants give law enforcement the right to arrest you, but an experienced criminal defense attorney can intervene. At My Rights Law, we will help you address the warrant before you’re taken into custody. We may be able to appear in court on your behalf, negotiate with the court to recall the warrant, and prevent an arrest altogether.

An arrest warrant in Temecula gives law enforcement the legal authority to arrest you based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. Unlike a bench warrant, which is issued for failing to follow court orders, an arrest warrant is issued following an investigation into alleged criminal activity. Police will need approval from a judge to obtain an arrest warrant, and it will include specific details such as the suspect’s name, the crime committed, and the judge’s signature. This ensures that law enforcement’s power to arrest remains within legal bounds.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense in Temecula, governed by California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. Whether your failure to appear is classified as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the original charges. If you were supposed to attend court for a misdemeanor charge, failing to appear will result in a misdemeanor offense. However, if you were out on bail for a felony charge, your failure to appear becomes a felony itself. This offense can have long-lasting consequences, which is why it’s critical to ensure you comply with all court orders.

The penalties for failing to appear in Temecula can be severe. If you were supposed to appear for a misdemeanor charge, you could face up to six months in county jail and additional fines. If the original charge was a felony, the penalties escalate, with potential prison sentences ranging from one to three years. These penalties are applied on top of any consequences related to the original charges. Failing to appear when out on bail for a felony can result in even harsher charges under section 1320.5. Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer is critical to understanding your legal options and minimizing the consequences.