If you have an outstanding warrant, you should speak with an experienced Van Nuys bench and arrest warrant lawyer as soon as possible. A bench warrant or arrest warrant can lead to your arrest during a traffic stop, at your home, or even at work. Taking action early may allow you to resolve the warrant before it results in unexpected detention.
At My Rights Law Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers, we help clients throughout Van Nuys resolve outstanding warrants and protect their rights. Whether a warrant was issued because you missed a court date or as part of a criminal investigation, our attorneys can explain your legal options and work toward the best possible outcome.
Call 818-418-1494 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Van Nuys bench and arrest warrant lawyer.
Outstanding warrants should never be ignored. The longer a warrant remains active, the greater the risk of being arrested at an unexpected time. At My Rights Law Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers, we act quickly to determine why the warrant was issued and develop a strategy to resolve it as efficiently as possible.
Our legal team can:
Every warrant case is different, and we tailor our strategy to the facts surrounding your situation.
Although both authorize law enforcement to take someone into custody, bench warrants and arrest warrants are issued for different reasons under California law.
A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to comply with a court order. In California, judges commonly issue bench warrants after a defendant fails to appear in court as required or otherwise fails to comply with court-ordered obligations.
Bench warrants are commonly issued for:
Once issued, a bench warrant generally remains active until it is recalled by the court or otherwise resolved.
An arrest warrant is generally issued when a judge determines there is probable cause to believe that a person committed a criminal offense. Unlike a bench warrant, which usually results from failing to comply with a court order, an arrest warrant is typically connected to a criminal investigation.
After reviewing evidence presented by law enforcement or prosecutors, a judge may authorize an arrest warrant allowing officers to take the accused person into custody.
Although both types of warrants authorize an arrest, they serve different purposes within California's criminal justice system.
A bench warrant is generally issued because someone failed to comply with a court order, such as missing a required court appearance or violating probation.
An arrest warrant, on the other hand, is generally issued after a judge finds probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the person named in the warrant may have committed it.
Understanding which type of warrant has been issued is important because it can affect how the case is handled and the legal options available for resolving it.
The following table highlights the key differences between bench warrants and arrest warrants under California law:
| Bench Warrant | Arrest Warrant |
| Issued by a judge after someone fails to comply with a court order | Issued by a judge after finding probable cause that a crime was committed |
| Commonly follows a missed court appearance, probation violation, or failure to comply with court orders | Usually results from a criminal investigation conducted by law enforcement |
| Often may be recalled (quashed) if the court grants the request | Generally remains active until the person is arrested or the court recalls the warrant |
| In some misdemeanor cases, an attorney may be able to appear on the defendant's behalf | The defendant often must personally appear before the court, particularly in felony cases |
Judges may issue bench warrants for a variety of reasons when someone fails to comply with court requirements. In many cases, the warrant is not based on a new criminal offense but on failing to fulfill an existing legal obligation.
Common reasons include:
Under California Penal Code § 978.5, judges have the authority to issue bench warrants when a defendant fails to personally appear as required by law in a variety of criminal proceedings.
Ignoring an outstanding warrant can lead to serious consequences. Because warrants generally remain active until they are recalled or otherwise resolved, law enforcement officers may arrest you whenever they discover the warrant.
Depending on the circumstances, you could be arrested:
After an arrest, you may be taken into custody, booked into jail, and required to appear before a judge. Depending on the underlying offense and the type of warrant involved, the court may determine whether you should be released, required to post bail, or remain in custody while your case proceeds.
In some cases, yes. Whether you can resolve a bench or arrest warrant without going to jail depends on several factors, including the reason the warrant was issued, the underlying offense, your criminal history, and the judge's decision.
For example, if the warrant stems from a misdemeanor failure to appear, your attorney may be able to ask the court to recall (quash) the warrant and, in some cases, appear on your behalf if California law permits. However, warrants related to felony cases often require the defendant to appear personally before the court.
Addressing the warrant voluntarily is generally viewed more favorably than waiting to be arrested. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may be able to request that the court:
Every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee that you will avoid jail. However, taking prompt action with experienced legal representation may improve your chances of resolving the warrant as smoothly as possible.
Yes. If you believe a bench or arrest warrant may have been issued, it is important to verify that information as soon as possible rather than waiting for contact with law enforcement.
An experienced attorney can often determine whether a warrant has been issued, identify the court handling your case, review the reason for the warrant, and explain the available options for resolving it. This allows you to make informed decisions before the warrant leads to an unexpected arrest.
Attempting to resolve a warrant on your own can be stressful and may expose you to unnecessary risks. An experienced criminal defense attorney understands the local court procedures and can often take steps to address the warrant before it results in your arrest.
Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may:
Having legal representation early in the process may improve your chances of resolving the warrant efficiently while protecting your rights.
Discovering that you have an outstanding warrant can be overwhelming, but ignoring it usually makes the situation worse. Taking prompt action is often the best way to protect your rights and begin resolving the matter.
If you learn you have a warrant:
Addressing a warrant voluntarily is often preferable to being arrested unexpectedly during a traffic stop, at work, or at home.
If you have an outstanding warrant, do not wait for law enforcement to come looking for you. An experienced Van Nuys bench and arrest warrant lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and work to resolve the warrant while protecting your rights.
At My Rights Law Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyers, we represent clients throughout Van Nuys facing bench warrants, arrest warrants, and other criminal matters. Call 818-418-1494 today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Van Nuys bench and arrest warrant lawyer.
This page was written by the My Rights Law Editorial Team and reviewed for legal accuracy by Bobby Shamuilian.
Attorney Shamuilian is the founder and managing partner of My Rights Law and is widely recognized as a legal authority, frequently appearing as a legal analyst and TV pundit on national news outlets.
He has earned a perfect “10.0 – Top Attorney” rating on AVVO and a “10.0” rating on Justia, and has been named among the “Top 40 Under 40” and the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers.
With his proven expertise and dedication, Mr. Shamuilian is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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