Warrants are court orders that mandate the arrest of a person and their subsequent appearance before a judge in connection with a traffic infraction they have committed. That said, you should try not to risk going to jail simply for speeding tickets. A warrant may be issued for your arrest if you have failed to appear in court or if you have not paid a traffic ticket that you have been issued. If you are aware that a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest due to a traffic violation, it is possible to have the warrant withdrawn.Here are the basics of what you need to know about bench warrants:
What Happens When You Get a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant or an arrest warrant in California is a direct order for your arrest issued by a judge. It is often issued because you failed to pay a required ticket or failed to appear in court for a mandated traffic violation hearing. If a law enforcement officer stops you while you have a bench warrant out for your arrest, you will be taken into custody and brought before the judge who issued the warrant.As soon as you step foot inside the courtroom, the judge can either let you go free with a warning or take you into custody. This judgment will be based on various considerations, including your flight risk and your criminal background.
How Can I Clear My Bench Warrant?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a bench warrant, you should start researching so you have an advocate who can negotiate your case in court. Once you hire an attorney, they should accompany you to court to clear your warrant rather than waiting until you get picked up by an officer. The longer you wait to resolve this matter, the steeper your penalties will generally be. You should have a traffic lawyer at your side when you go before the judge. They may use some of the following defenses on your behalf:
- You never received a notice of a court date.
- The bench warrant is for someone else with the same name or a similar name.
- You were not informed that charges were filed against you.
- The bench warrant is an error as you have complied with the court conditions.
- You were ill or hospitalized.
After the warrant is lifted, the judge may assign you a new court date, impose a fine, or come to another judgment.
How To Avoid a Bench Warrant for a Speeding Ticket
The most prudent course of action would be to avoid obtaining the warrant in the first place. In the event that you have been issued a fine for a traffic offense but are unable to pay it, you must still appear in court. Not only does this prevent the issuance of a warrant, but judges also tend to have more compassion for defendants who appear in court and explain the financial difficulties they are facing. They are frequently prepared to negotiate an alternative to the fine or a payment plan for it.Do not try to handle the situation alone if a bench warrant has been issued in your name. You should look for a traffic lawyer in your region who can assist you in understanding the many legal alternatives available to you.If you have been issued a bench warrant in California, you should consult with our team at Ticket Snipers. Our attorneys have considerable experience working within the state’s traffic court system and may assist you in avoiding hefty penalties and possible jail time.Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about bench warrants for a speeding ticket and how to defend yourself against any type of traffic ticket. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about defense against traffic infractions.