Bench and Arrest Warrants

When receiving a license violation associated with a Failure to Appear (FTA), an arrest warrant is typically issued (40508(a) Warrant).

Suspended License Ticket

Helpful Steps

  • The Best Way to Handle an Arrest or Bench Warrant
  • Los Angeles Warrant Search

In the event that you are cited, even for a misdemeanor, failing to appear in court as scheduled will likely result in the court or judge issuing a warrant for your arrest. In fact, this is commonly done without any prior notification. Typically, people find out there is an arrest warrant out for them during the performance of a job background check or after being pulled over for a traffic violation.

Bench Warrant versus Arrest Warrant

A judge usually issues a bench warrant when someone misses a scheduled court date. If you are scheduled to appear before a judge but do not show up, the judge will probably issue a warrant for your arrest due to Failure to Appear. In normal circumstances, a judge will issue a bench warrant only if you fail to show up in court for a misdemeanor or felony violation.

If your ticket is a misdemeanor, such as driving on a suspended license (California Vehicle Code 14601.1), and you do not show up in court to take care of business, there is a good chance that the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. To determine if your traffic ticket is, in fact, a misdemeanor, simply look for the letter “M” on the ticket circled next to the violation.

Handcuffed and Taken to Jail

Bench and Arrest WarrantsIf you were to be pulled over for running a stop sign, speeding, or some other traffic violation and the police officer finds out that you have a bench warrant, you will be handcuffed and taken to jail. You will remain in jail until a time is set for you to see the judge. Depending on various factors, your stay in jail will be a few hours to a few days.

If a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest, contact us immediately. Since we specialize in helping people with these types of warrants, we are competent in working to get the warrant recalled.

Arrest Warrant

Although an arrest warrant is somewhat similar to a bench warrant, there are distinct differences. An arrest warrant can be issued by a judge as well as the police department. Essentially, an order is granted for an arrest, which entails that person being taken into custody to go before the issuing judge. With an arrest warrant, you would again be handcuffed and taken to jail until a time is set for you to see the judge.

According to California Vehicle Code section 40509.5(e), no arrest warrant can be issued for a Failure to Appear, California Vehicle Code section 40508(a), unless:

  • The offense relates to a loading or towing violation, overweight or oversized violation, or equipment violation
  • The underlying offense is either a misdemeanor or felony
  • The driver has additional pending failures to appear
  • The driver does not possess a valid driver’s license
In Los Angeles County, anytime there is a bench warrant, arrest warrant, or Failure to Appear warrant issued for you, it is important that you call us for assistance immediately. That way, we can get the warrant out of the legal system, which will eliminate any risk of arrest. To speak to one of our qualified traffic ticket attorneys, please call us at 844-999-9987.

California Traffic Clinic – Search Warrant Attorney

There are two methods to find out if you have an arrest warrant, although the first is the most efficient.

  • Courthouse Warrant Search
  • Los Angeles Superior Court Website – Warrant Search

Warrants and Driver’s Licenses

Will a bench warrant or arrest appear on record with the California Department of Motor Vehicles?

Overview of a Bench Warrant

In simple terms, a bench warrant is issued by a judge if you fail to go to court as scheduled. For both a bench warrant and arrest warrant, violations can be a misdemeanor or a felony.

More Help

  • How You Get a Failure to Appear Warrant (FTA 40508(a))
  • Difference between Infractions and Misdemeanors
  • Misdemeanor Violation and Time in Jail
  • Living Out of Town or Out of State
  • Probation Violation Warrant

Regardless if you have a bench warrant or arrest warrant, the best way to handle the situation is to take immediate action. Being afraid and doing nothing is the worst decision that you can make. After all, many times warrants are cleared up after standing before a judge in court.

Additional Resources

  • If I show up in court with a bench warrant, will I be arrested?
  • Will I have to go to jail?
  • We can go to court on your behalf to clear up issues.
Top-Rated Warrant Attorneys, and How We Can Help
For clearing up your bench warrant, arrest warrant, or Failure to Appear warrant, contact CrushMyTicket attorneys who have the necessary experience and expertise. We will work hard to prevent you from spending any time in the Los Angeles County Jail. For a free and legal consultation to discuss your options, please talk to one of our top CrushMyTicket warrant attorneys by calling 844-999-9987.
Marijuana DUI

Failure to Appear (FTA – VC 40508(a))

Dealing with a Suspended Driver’s License

Los Angeles County

If you received a traffic violation in Los Angeles County but forgot to pay it, you are at risk for having your driver’s license suspended. If your license is already suspended and you failed to show up for a scheduled court date, you will be hit with a huge fine due to Failure to Appear.

As long as you have not yet seen a judge in court for the violation, we have the opportunity to go to court in your place to get the issue resolved. Many times, your license will be returned in just one to two days.

To get a better understanding as to how we can help you with a suspended driver’s license, call us immediately at 310-285-1516. Especially if your ticket has been turned over to GC Services for collection, you need our assistance.

Outrageous Fine for a Failure to Appear

Not dealing with a traffic ticket will lead to big problems.

  • Outrageous Fine – The court or GC Service will send you a letter outlining a fine for Failure to Appear (FTA – VC section 40508) that can be as much as $1,000.
  • License Suspension – There is the risk of your driver’s license being suspended by the DMV.

To gain more information about what a Failure to Appear (FTA) is, as well as associated penalties, click here.

Driving with a Suspended License

By choosing to drive on a suspended license, you put yourself at major risk.

  • The police have the authority to put your vehicle in impound for up to 30 days.
  • You can be charged a $1,000 fine.
  • Two points will be applied to your driver’s license record.
  • You will need to appear in court to face the judge on a “driving on a suspended license charge” (VC 14601.1). Although a misdemeanor, this can result in probation at a minimum.
  • Worst of all, you could end up with a lifetime criminal record.

Failure to Appear Charge

If you failed to appear for a scheduled court case and now have a Failure to Appear, rather than paying the fine, we strongly suggest that you request a court date for a hearing before the judge. That way, you can fight both the charge and the fine. Even better, by contacting us, we can do the fighting on your behalf.

Issued Warrant for Arrest

By failing to appear in court for a license violation, you can expect a warrant to be issued for your arrest (40508(a)).

Let Us Help You Get Your Driver’s License Back

Experienced Los Angeles Traffic Ticket Attorney

If you contact CrushMyTicket for assistance, we will do all the legwork so that you don’t have to stress out.

  • We will work to clear your Failure to Appear with the DMV so that you can have your license returned.
  • Rather than pay the fine, we will request a court date so that we can fight to get the violation and fine discharged or reduced.

For a no-obligation consultation with a qualified attorney from CrushMyTicket, call us right away at 844-999-9987. Our goal is to eliminate your stress and secure a positive outcome.

Additional Resource

  • 40508(a) Warrant

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