Have you been charged with a crime or accused of one? If you suspect that legal action could be taken against you, it is critical to protect your rights with the help of a criminal defense attorney. That includes if a bench warrant is issued against you. What is a bench warrant, and what does it mean to your case? Talk to a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices today.
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a warrant issued by a judge when a person violates some rule of the court. It is called a bench warrant because it is used directly from the judge’s bench in a courtroom. The most common reason for them to be issued is failure to appear in court, such as missing a court appearance. However, they can be used in other cases as well.
As a warrant, this legal document instructs the police to find and arrest the person named on the warrant. It operates in the same way as any other type of arrest warrant with the goal of getting the person in front of the judge.
What is the Difference Between a Bench Warrant and an Arrest Warrant?
Bench warrants and arrest warrants both instruct law enforcement to seek out the person listed and bring them to court to face the charges presented by the court. The only significant difference is that, in a bench warrant, the judge has full discretion over the entire process. A law enforcement officer does not need to petition for a warrant. A judge can decide to issue it at any point.
What Should You Do If There Is a Bench Warrant for You?
In situations where a bench warrant is issued, it is critical for you to know what your legal rights are. In every case, you should reach out to a criminal defense attorney. Our legal team will work with you to ensure your needs are met – and that means helping to ensure you can be brought in without any complications. You can also visit the police department and turn yourself in to avoid conflicts.
With a bench warrant issued, you can be arrested at any time. This can be very worrisome for many people, but allowing our legal team to help you right now will give you some support and peace of mind throughout this process.
We do not recommend hiding from the police or evading the court system. This is likely only to make your case more challenging. If you are afraid for your safety, allow our criminal defense attorney to remain by your side throughout the entire process. We are available to you 24 hours a day to support this process.
Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices Now
What is a bench warrant going to mean for your case? What legal steps should you take? Let our legal team offer some guidance to you now. Call Ciccarelli Law Offices to discuss your case with our criminal defense attorneys serving Pennsylvania. We will work to make sure you remain safe and your rights remain protected throughout this process.