If you were issued a bench warrant in California, you may have a number of different questions about your legal options. Many individuals in your situation wonder: how long does a bench warrant last in California?
A bench warrant will last until you resolve it. Bench warrants do not expire. This means that you must clear the warrant in order to have it removed, and you cannot simply wait for the bench warrant to expire. Find out more about the process for handling a bench warrant by calling (310) 896-2723 to speak with the Simmrin Law Group.
The Length of Time a Bench Warrant Lasts in California
Bench warrants – also called body attachments – do not expire or run out in California. They remain on your record until they are resolved. Bench warrants do not expire due to their nature. These warrants are issued by judges and, if they expired, it could encourage people to:
- Try to evade the court system for a set period of time
- Lie about issues in the court system
For these reasons, individuals in California cannot just “wait out” a bench warrant. No matter how long you wait, this warrant remains on your record until you resolve it.
Steps to Clear a Bench Warrant
A bench warrant lasts until you clear it. In order to clear your bench warrant, you may want to contact a lawyer. The methods to “recall and quash” your bench warrant may vary based on the type of charges you faced originally. A lawyer may be able to clear a warrant for you if the warrant was issued because you:
- Did not appear in court when so ordered
- Did not pay a fine for a misdemeanor-level offense
Note that you may still have to pay the fine that you avoided in order to completely resolve your legal challenges. You should also be aware that if you did not pay a fine for a felony-level offense, a lawyer may not be able to clear the warrant for you. Generally, you must go to court yourself for unpaid fines on felony-level offenses.
You can discuss the specifics of your bench warrant with a lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group. A member of our team will begin reviewing your situation if you call us at (310) 896-2723.
Legal Arguments to Clear a Bench Warrant
In order to clear your bench warrant, a lawyer must do more than simply appear in court. Your lawyer may need to demonstrate that you did not intentionally disregard a court order. This may involve showing that:
- You did not receive your notice to go to court.
- You did not know that there was a case filed against you.
- You were mistakenly asked to go to court.
Your lawyer may be able to focus on building your defense using arguments proven to be effective. Allow the team at the Simmrin Law Group to review the evidence associated with your case right now, so we can focus on helping you clear your bench warrant in California.
Arrests and Bench Warrants in California
You should be aware that there may be serious consequences if you do not clear a bench warrant in California. As long as there is a bench warrant out in your name, you could be arrested by a law enforcement officer. The officer may legally take you to court after your arrest.
Generally, you will be brought before a judge after an arrest for a bench warrant. The judge may decide to release you with a warning, but this is not likely in many bench warrant cases. In many situations, the judge may order you put in custody, where you may remain until the charges you were initially facing are handled.
Finally, allowing a bench warrant to remain on your record could be considered a probation violation in California. You may face additional fines if you ignore court orders and have a bench warrant issued in your name. Also, the court may order the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to suspend your driver’s license.
Speak to a Lawyer About How Long a Bench Warrant Lasts
How long does a bench warrant last in California? Generally, these warrants last until they are cleared in the court system. You can work with a lawyer here in Los Angeles to get help clearing any bench warrants issued in your name. Find out more by contacting the Simmrin Law Group to get a free case evaluation.
Reach out to us for help by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.