If you were charged with a crime and failed to appear in court, it is likely that you have bench warrant against you. While it can be a very stressful situation, in this guide our criminal defense lawyer, Frank Menendez, will walk you through the process of clearing a bench warrant without going to jail.
Understanding Bench Warrants
First, let’s explain what a “bench warrant” is. A bench warrant is a court order issued by a judge for your arrest. It is typically issued when you fail to appear in court, also referred to as “FTA,” or when you fail to comply with any other court order. Bench warrants are serious matters, they do not go away if you ignore it, and should be addressed right away to avoid further problems.
Now we’ll explain the steps you should take to clear, also called “lifting,” “recalling,” or “setting aside” your warrant:
1. Gather Information about Your Warrant
If you discover that a bench warrant has been issued against you, it’s important that gather as much information as possible about the warrant. First, find out the County in which the warrant was issued in. Second, determine the reason for the bench warrant to address it effectively. For example, it could be due to failing to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, violating the terms of probation, or another legal issue. Third, obtain the contact information on the Judge who issued the warrant through the Clerk of Courts.
RELATED: How to Check if You Have a Bench Warrant in Florida
2. Schedule a Court Appearance
Having gathered all the necessary information on your warrant, you are ready for the next step. You will need to contact the Judge who issued the warrant and inquire about the Judge’s procedure on clearing warrants. We recommend you do this via e-mail to keep track of all communications. In most cases, a hearing will need to be scheduled. By voluntarily appearing before a judge, you demonstrate your willingness to resolve your outstanding case, which can work in your favor.
3. Attend Your Court Hearing
Once a hearing has been scheduled, it is important you show up! Judges don’t like when a defendant fails to appear multiple times. At your hearing, you can explain to the judge the reason you missed court in the first place, and in most cases, they will set aside your warrant.
Our Criminal Defense Attorney Can Clear Your Bench Warrant Without Going to Jail
You can certainly try to clear your bench warrant without going to jail on your own. However, seeking legal representation is typically faster and more efficient! A knowledgeable and experience criminal defense attorney, such as Attorney Frank Menendez with TicketFit, can help as follows:
- Our attorney locates and determines the reason for your warrant.
- Our attorney contacts the appropriate County Judge.
- Our attorney prepares all necessary paperwork, schedules a court date, and attends on your behalf.
- Our attorney represents you on the underlying criminal charge until conclusion of your case.
Don’t risk getting picked up, follow the guide above to clear your warrant or contact our criminal defense lawyer for help! We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Call us now at (305) 775-3720 or send us an e-mail. Good luck!