Professional Warrant Attorney in Yucaipa

In Yucaipa, bench warrants are more common than arrest warrants and serve a different purpose. A bench warrant is issued by a judge, usually when someone fails to appear in court or fulfill a court order, such as paying a fine. It is called a “bench” warrant because it comes directly from the judge’s bench, and unlike an arrest warrant, it isn’t issued due to a suspected crime.

A bench warrant is initiated by a judge in Yucaipa when you fail to attend a scheduled court appearance. Once issued, law enforcement is authorized to arrest you and bring you to court. If you have a bench warrant, it’s vital to consult a criminal defense attorney, like My Rights Law, to help you resolve it before being taken into custody.

In Yucaipa, bench warrants don’t expire. They remain active until the individual addresses them, either by appearing in court or through legal resolution. You can’t simply wait out a bench warrant—it will stay on your record indefinitely, making it essential to address the issue as soon as possible.

If you discover a bench warrant has been issued against you in Yucaipa, immediate action is crucial to avoid being arrested. The first step is contacting a qualified criminal defense attorney, like My Rights Law, who can work with the court to resolve the warrant. Depending on your case, your lawyer may be able to quash the warrant and prevent further legal complications.

An arrest warrant allows police in Yucaipa to legally arrest you and take you into custody. Arrest warrants are typically issued when law enforcement suspects you’ve committed a crime. Unlike a bench warrant, which relates to missed court appearances, an arrest warrant results from criminal investigations. Judges issue arrest warrants based on evidence that shows probable cause for your arrest.

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense in Yucaipa, as outlined in California Penal Codes 1320 and 1320.5. If you were released on your own recognizance and miss a court date, you could face misdemeanor charges. If you’re out on bail for a felony charge and fail to appear, the consequences escalate to felony-level penalties. The severity of the punishment is linked to the original charge for which you were supposed to appear.

Penalties for failing to appear in court in Yucaipa can be significant. You could face up to six months in county jail and additional fines if the failure to appear is related to a misdemeanor. For more severe offenses or if you are out on bail for a felony, penalties can include up to three years in state prison. These penalties are in addition to any consequences tied to your original case, making it critical to work with a criminal defense attorney to minimize your legal exposure.