If you missed a court date and are now dealing with charges for failure to appear, you might be worried about what comes next. You may have heard the term “bench warrant,” but you might not fully understand it. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact a Maryland bench warrant lawyer. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer can review your charges and represent you in court.
Bench Warrant Process
A bench warrant is a command from a judge. This type of warrant is commonly issued when someone doesn’t show up for their court date. If someone skips a court date for a criminal or traffic case offense that could lead to jail time (known as a jailable offense), the judge may issue a bench warrant. It happens if the defendant does not have a valid emergency that would justify their absence.
Once a bench warrant is issued, the police can arrest the person and bring them to court. It’s essential to address a bench warrant promptly to avoid further legal complications, such as additional charges or penalties. If you face a bench warrant, seeking help from an experienced lawyer is crucial and reassuring. A lawyer can guide you through the process and help you resolve the issue effectively.
What Does a Bench Warrant Do?
Once a bench warrant is issued, the police can arrest the person anytime. If someone has a bench warrant out for them and is stopped by the police—even for something minor like a broken taillight—they can be arrested and taken back to the area that issued the warrant.
After being arrested, the person will face a bail decision or, in severe cases, could be held in jail until a new court date is set. If you’ve missed a court date and think a bench warrant might be out for you, contacting a lawyer who knows about bench warrants is essential. They can help you handle the situation and navigate the legal process.
Request to Cancel a Bench Warrant
If you missed a court date and think a bench warrant was issued for you, you might be worried about going to jail. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid being arrested. An experienced Maryland defense attorney can help you with a motion to quash the bench warrant.
A motion to quash is a legal request to cancel the warrant. With the help of a lawyer, you can work to have the warrant lifted and resolve the issue without facing arrest. A skilled lawyer can help you better handle your situation.
Motion to Quash
After a bench warrant is issued, the best time to act is before you get arrested. One option is to have your Maryland defense lawyer file a “Motion to Quash Bench Warrant.” This request asks the court to cancel the bench warrant and set a new court date instead.
Courts often look favorably on individuals who come forward on their own. They may grant the motion, especially if there’s a valid reason for missing the court date, such as incorrect notice due to a wrong address, illness, or a family emergency. Taking action early can help you avoid arrest and reduce the stress of dealing with a bench warrant. It’s essential to address the issue immediately to show the court that you are responsible and committed to resolving it. Remember, showing responsibility and commitment can empower you in this situation.
Alternative Resolutions
While a bench warrant can be a serious matter, it’s essential to understand that there might be alternative paths to resolution. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, your attorney may explore options such as:
Plea agreements: Negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution might lead to reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.
Diversion programs: Some jurisdictions offer diversion programs for certain offenses, allowing individuals to complete specific requirements instead of facing criminal charges.
Expungement or sealing of records: In some cases, after a successful completion of a diversion program or other legal processes, it might be possible to expunge or seal the criminal record related to the bench warrant.”
Contact a Maryland Bench Warrant Lawyer
Missing a court date can cause serious problems, but addressing the issue quickly is essential. Waiting to get arrested for a minor traffic violation could lead to serious trouble and a likely trip to jail. The longer you delay, the less understanding a judge may be, and they might think you intentionally skipped your court date.
Taking action early can mitigate some of the worst consequences of a bench warrant. Contact a Maryland bench warrant lawyer to schedule a consultation with The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates. Their expertise will help you start building a robust defense.