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Is There A Warrant For Your Arrest In California?

February 1, 2012 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

san diego warrant for arrest

If you believe or have discovered there is a warrant for your arrest, it is critical you immediately contact a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Bench Warrants Vs. Warrant for Arrests in California

It is important to understand the differences between an arrest warrant and a bench warrant. A warrant for arrest is a court-issued document provided to the police ordering for the arrest of a specific person. These warrants are generally issued after you have been indicted by a grand jury or if the police have a reasonable cause to suspect you have committed a crime.

There is no rule requiring the police to arrest you immediately for a crime they believe you committed. Often the police  send their findings to the District Attorney who can file the case and and request a judge to issue a warrant for your arrest. If you have been contacted by the police but not arrested you should call a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

On the other hand, a bench warrant is issued when a person has failed to appear at a mandatory court appearance. These are the most common form of warrants in California. These warrants call for the immediate arrest and detention of the person named.

Bench Warrants for Probation Violations

Most people who have been put on probation for  a misdemeanor or felony are required to complete programs specific to their crimes. If you fail to attend or complete these mandatory programs, a bench warrant for your arrest in California will be issued.

If you are arrested for a violation of probation after being convicted of a felony, you can be held without bail. You will not only risk being arrested, but also face further punishment for violating probation. You can then be resentenced for up to the maximum for the crime.

What to do About a Warrant for Your Arrest

When you believe you have either type of warrant out for your arrest, do not try to handle the issue on your own. After all, if you wouldn’t go to trial without a lawyer, why would you represent yourself in front of a judge in these circumstances without a legal representative?

By contacting a professional, you may be able to have the warrant revoked and avoid jail time. An attorney can help prepare you with the proper documentation and information to ensure you receive a fair and reasonable bail amount. In some cases, he may even be able to attend court without you.

If you have any questions about warrants, please call The Law Offices of Peter M. Liss at (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Creative Commons Image by Steve Rhodes.

Filed Under: CRIMINAL DEFENSE, The CA Legal System Tagged With: Vista warrant lawyer, warrants issued in California, arrest and bench warrants in California, Vista warrant attorney, warrant for arrest in california, arrest warrants, bench warrants

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I have been practicing law for over 35 years, and opened my own law firm in 1998, after serving as Assistant Supervising Public Defender for the Vista Public Defender’s Office. I have defended many high profile cases in my career, fighting charges ranging from drunk driving to capital murder.

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Peter M. Liss,
Criminal Defense Attorney
(760) 643-4050
380 S Melrose Drive #301
Vista, CA 92081

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About the Legal Information on This Website

I rely on my experience as a top defense lawyer in my area to personally review all information on this site; however the information offered here should not substitute as legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Vista, please contact a qualified defense attorney.