A warrant is a document ordering a person's arrest and detention. There are two types - arrest warrants and bench warrants. The latter is the more common type of warrant in California and is a court order for a person's immediate arrest. A bench warrant is issued by a judge, usually for the person's failure to appear in court as scheduled; for example, failure to appear:
- after being released from custody and promising to appear
- after a judge ordered you to personally appear in court
- after a police officer gave you a citation
- after an indictment (criminal charge) where the Superior Court has fixed a date and place for your appearance, or
- failure to show proof of your progress in or completion of community service
- failure to appear for your sentencing or conviction (after a plea or trial)
In addition, some bench warrants are issued for failure to pay a fine, such as a significant amount of unpaid traffic tickets.
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is also a court order issued by a judge for a person's arrest and detention, but it's not for his or her immediate arrest. Most arrest warrants are issued when the police have a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred, or after a grand jury indictment. In many arrest warrant cases, people don't even know that there's an arrest warrant for them; they first hear about it when they're being arrested.
What a San Diego Criminal Lawyer Can Do for You
As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Anna R. Yum can help bring about a positive resolution to your case. She may be able to convince the judge to release you on your own recognizance (that is, on your promise to return to court). She can accurately explain and defend the reason(s) for your warrant to the judge. If bail is going to be required, she can also argue for reasonable bail, and arrange for a bail bondsman to be present at court for you.
Contact the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum regarding your arrest warrant or bench warrant.