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Certain instances may give rise to a bench warrant. If you’re facing a bench warrant, you can be arrested at any time and taken to court. Fortunately, a New Orleans bench warrant lawyer can help.

What Is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant represents the literal bench in front of the judge. It is called a bench warrant because this type of warrant is issued most frequently when a defendant fails to show up to their court date.

When the judge issues a bench warrant, the police treat it like an arrest warrant. The warrant gives them the authority to arrest you and bring you to court.

Why Are Bench Warrants Issued?

When there is a bench warrant against you, the purpose is to bring you in front of the judge to explain your reasoning for failing to appear at your scheduled court appearance or not following a court order.

There are multiple reasons why bench warrants are issued against you, including:

  • Failure to appear in court after committing a crime, for example, drunk driving
  • Failure to pay traffic tickets or fines
  • Failure to pay child support
  • Violating a restraining order

When a judge issues a bench warrant, your name will appear in the statewide database for Louisiana law enforcement, and you can be arrested and brought before the judge.

Consequences of Missing a Court Appearance

If you miss a court appearance, you face multiple consequences.

First and foremost, missing a court date can result in a bench warrant. Law enforcement is then allowed to arrest you, take you to jail, and then have you appear before the judge.

You may also face a contempt fine. A contempt fine is a penalty you must pay for missing your court appearance.

Lastly, you may face the possibility of a suspended license. If you miss your court appearance, your license can get suspended. The issue with suspended licenses is that most people fail to realize their license is suspended until they are stopped by police. Not only is this discovery embarrassing, but it will also result in additional consequences.

It is best to avoid possible penalties and make the effort to appear in court.

When You Can Be Arrested

If a judge issues a bench warrant, law enforcement agencies can arrest you and take you to court. You can be arrested at any moment, usually when you least expect it.

Getting arrested can be a traumatizing experience. A qualified warrant lawyer can assist you with attempting to get the bench warrant lifted without you getting arrested and going to jail.

Pursuing a Dismissal of a Bench Warrant

Taking care of your bench warrant as quickly as possible is the best course of action. If you wish to pursue a dismissal of a bench warrant, a warrant lawyer can be your best ally.

You and your lawyer can appear in court and explain your absence or failure to comply. Your attorney will know exactly how to prepare and speak to the judge to help get the bench warrant successfully dismissed.

If there is currently a bench warrant against you, don’t wait to speak to a New Orleans bench warrant lawyer right away.

How a New Orleans Bench Warranty Lawyer Can Assist

When there’s a bench warrant issued against you, you can handle it all on your own. However, doing so may not yield the most favorable results.

A New Orleans bench warrant attorney can go to court and ask the judge to lift the warrant. A bench lawyer has the knowledge and experience to talk to the judge and work toward getting your bench warrant dismissed without repercussions for you.

If a judge issues a bench warrant for your arrest, do not hesitate to consult with a New Orleans bench warrant lawyer for assistance.

FAQ

What is the difference between a bench warrant and an arrest warrant?

It is common for people to confuse bench warrants and arrest warrants. While there are some similarities, they are different.

When a judge issues a bench warrant, law enforcement authorities can treat it as an arrest warrant. This type of warrant gives officers the authority to arrest you, take you to jail, and then take you to court to appear before the judge.

While a judge initiates the bench warranty process, the police initiate the arrest warrant procedure. Before getting an arrest warrant, police must show probable cause to arrest an individual for a suspected crime. Arrest warrants are often required to arrest individuals in their homes, for example.

Will I receive a notification if a bench warrant is issued against me?

In most cases, you do not receive any notification of a bench warrant. The court already gave you a court date, and if you miss it, you might assume the judge issued a bench warrant for your failure to appear.

You can, however, find out about any possible bench warrants. You can either check online on the clerk’s website or call the court directly. A bench warrant lawyer can also help you.

How long do bench warrants last?

Bench warrants generally last forever. Unless you are arrested, turn yourself in, or have your lawyer attempt to get the warrant dismissed, they usually do not just go away.

EXPERIENCED NEW ORLEANS SUSPENDED LICENSE ATTORNEY

The Law Office of Heather C. Ford will give you peace of mind if you are facing license suspension or your license has already been suspended. She will professionally and effectively represent you on your behalf in front of any prosecutors or judges. Trust that your case will be handled with your best interests in mind.

Serving New Orleans and the surrounding area:

  • Get Expert Advice
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We are committed to making the legal process as quick and efficient as possible for every client. If you have a suspended driver’s license in New Orleans, contact our office immediately to schedule a consultation.

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