A bench warrant is a legal order issued by a judge that calls for the immediate arrest of a person, by law enforcement, who has failed to appear in court for proceedings. Bench warrants may also be issued in the name of a person who has been accused of a crime.

Often times, people are not aware that a bench warrant has been issued in their names until they are arrested. Because these people did not make scheduled court appearances, or have evaded law enforcement, they may be susceptible to legal penalties such as fines, jail time, or probation. These legal consequences are never easy to contend with and can greatly limit a person’s quality of life. For this reason, people who have been arrested because of a bench warrant, or people who have bench warrants in their names should always speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, people may be able to avoid further legal action and penalties. In fact, they may be able to avoid being arrested altogether. When people choose to take a pro-active stance, they have a greater chance of incurring minor legal penalties. This is why it is always beneficial for people to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect their rights and provide guidance throughout the criminal process.