Ronald Dinan & Associates Serves Northern CA Clients
If you have been charged with failure to appear or if you have a warrant out for your arrest in California and would like to clear it, a Santa Rosa criminal defense attorney from our law firm can help. Both of these incidents can result in severe penalties. Call Ronald Dinan & Associates if you want to learn more!
We handle criminal cases in Santa Rosa, Napa, San Rafael, Lakeport, Ukiah, & Eureka.
California Arrest Warrant FAQ
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How do I receive an arrest warrant?
If you commit a crime outside of an officer's presence, then the officer will normally meet with the district attorney to discuss the case. The officer must prove that he or she has "probable cause" that you have committed a crime. If the district attorney agrees that you should be arrested, then he or she will present the case to a judge. The judge can then choose whether or not to issue the arrest warrant.
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What should I do if there is a warrant for my arrest?
If there is a warrant out for your arrest, then you will want to call a criminal defense attorney today to represent you in court. With a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side, you may be able to argue before the judge and ask for a bail reduction or an own-recognizance release. Either of these options will help to keep you out of jail while we work to answer your criminal charges and fight on your side in the investigation.
Outstanding Warrant (Arrest Warrant) vs Bench Warrant
What's the difference between the two?
- An arrest warrant is issued after a grand jury or law enforcement officials have probable cause to suspect that you have committed a crime.
- A bench warrant is usually issued when a person fails to appear for a court hearing or fails to answer a subpoena.
- An arrest warrant is a formal document given to the police ordering the arrest and detention of a person, similar to a bench warrant, which is the order for the immediate arrest of a person.
What is a Bench Warrant?
Unlike an arrest warrant issued by a district attorney, a bench warrant is issued from the "bench," or the judge.
Bench warrants are issued for the following reasons:
- Failure to repay fines
- Failure to appear in court
- Violating a restraining or protective order
If you arrested on a bench warrant, then the judge has the right to hold you in custody. Also, people who are taken on a bench warrant may face penalties for failure to appear.
Warrant for Failure to Appear
If you ignore a court summons, a judge will probably issue a bench warrant and will demand that you be penalized for ignoring your summons to court. The court strictly enforces failure to appear penalties in order to maintain order in the court system.
What are the Penalties for Failing to Appear in Court?
Penalties for failure to appear can include:
- Prison or jail time
- Fines
- Probation violations
- License suspension
If you have been charged with failure to appear, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to help you. With the right attorney assisting you with your case, you may be able to get the assistance that you need to address the charges against you successfully. Don't hesitate to call us at Ronald Dinan & Associates today to learn more and receive a free case evaluation!
Learn More About Warrants in California & Call Today
If you're looking to see if you have a warrant out for your arrest in California, you can check the California Active Warrant Search website.
We offer representation to clients in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties. Call today to speak with an attorney!