Can You Go to Jail if You Have a Bench Warrant?

bench warrant

Can You Go to Jail if You Have a Bench Warrant?

It’s important to start off with a definition of what a bench warrant is. A bench warrant will direct law enforcement to take an individual into custody after they have violated the rules of the court. Generally speaking, it’s usually issued when the defendant does not show up for their court date. Once a bench warrant is issued, the police can use a bench warrant like an arrest warrant. If you do have a bench warrant, it will be important for you to address it and clear it up as soon as possible. Even if you are not actively sought for arrest, the bench warrant will continue to persist until the judge recalls the bench warrant. If you are deemed to be not respecting the judge’s orders, you could have more sentencing added to your current punishment. It could be jail time, probation, or higher fines.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Bench Warrant?

If you are wondering how long you can go to jail for a bench warrant, there are answers. If there is zero attempts to appear within two weeks of your court appearance date, then there is a penalty. The maximum penalty can be a $1,000 fine and six months in the county jail. 

What Does it Mean if You Have a Bench Warrant?

If you have found yourself facing a bench warrant, it means that law enforcement has been directed to take you into custody for failing to appear in court.

What is the Difference Between a Bench Warrant and a Warrant?

Would you like to discover the difference between a bench warrant and a warrant? Please review the following bullet points to learn more.

  • Arrest warrants order for someone to be put into detention based upon suspicions of criminal activity.
  • Bench warrants are issued by a judge when a defendant is found to have not shown up for their day in court.

Will Cops Come to Your House for a Bench Warrant?

It is very unlikely that a cop or policeman will show up to your home for a bench warrant. However, it remains critically important for defendants to address their bench warrants as soon as possible. Once the judge sees evidence of good behavior, it is a step in the right direction.

Will Bench Warrant Expire

Bench warrants do not expire. Bench warrants are not deleted after any amount of time, nor are they forgotten by the justice system. Unless the judge dismisses the bench warrant, the bench warrant will continue to be a part of a defendant’s life. Once the defendant shows up to court, there can be a resolution for the bench warrant. 

Can a Bench Warrant Be Expired

A bench warrant will remain outstanding until some serious actions take place. One of these occasions is based upon the death of the defendant. If the defendant dies, of course, they will not be able to come to court. The only other circumstances that merit a bench warrant being dismissed is if the judge quashes it themselves.

What Are Court Bench Warrant

If an individual is found to be in contempt of court, a bench warrant can be issued. Bench warrants are issued by a judge who has found an appellant to have violated court rules. Usually, bench warrants are issued for appellants who have not shown up to court for their court appearance. If an individual makes an attempt to come to court and resolve the case within fourteen days, the judge could go easier on them. Conversely, if an individual does not make any attempts to resolve their case, the judge will issue more severe punishments.

bench warrant

Is Bench Warrant a Felony

Are you wondering whether or not a bench warrant is a felony? There are many reasons why individuals may not show to their court appearance. The list of excuses can be very long. There could have been an accident on the way to court, or there could have been a miscommunication that occurred. Regardless, the justice system does not take kindly to such infractions. That is why it is urgent for defendants to act as quickly and responsibly as possible. If the defendant issues an apology and a valid reason for why they did not show up for their court appearance, the bench warrant may be dismissed by the court. However, it is important to remember that multiple warrants out for your arrest will not inspire leniency by a judge. The more clean and immaculate your criminal record, the more likely the judge is to pass a favorable sentence.

Would you like help with a bench warrant in Avon and Indianapolis, IN, please give our team a call at 317-423-9300.