Failing to appear in court may seem like a minor mistake—especially if it was unintentional—but in California, it can lead to serious legal consequences, including the issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest. Whether you forgot the date, had an emergency, or didn’t understand the notice, the courts may view your absence as a willful failure to comply.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we often help clients resolve bench warrants before they result in an arrest. If you've missed a scheduled appearance, don't wait to take action. Here’s what you need to know about how bench warrants work, what they mean for you, and how a defense attorney can help.
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court as required. Unlike an arrest warrant issued after an investigation, a bench warrant stems directly from the court process and gives law enforcement the authority to arrest you on sight.
You might face a bench warrant for:
- Failing to appear at a scheduled hearing
- Missing a court-ordered deadline
- Violating terms of probation or bail
Once a warrant is issued, it doesn’t expire. It remains in effect until you’re arrested or the court recalls the warrant.
What Happens After a Bench Warrant Is Issued?
After a bench warrant is issued, your name and details may be entered into law enforcement databases across California. This means you can be arrested at any time—during a traffic stop, at your home, or even at work.
Additional consequences may include:
- Increased bail or bond revocation
- New criminal charges for failure to appear (California Penal Code §1320 or §1320.5)
- License suspension in certain cases
- Negative impact on future court decisions, including sentencing
That’s why addressing the issue quickly and strategically is key.
Common Reasons People Miss Court
Not everyone who misses a court date is trying to avoid justice. In many cases, there are legitimate—and even unavoidable—reasons for not appearing.
Examples Include:
- A medical emergency or hospitalization
- Transportation problems
- Not receiving proper notice of the court date
- Confusion about the date or time
- Language barriers or misunderstanding legal instructions
Regardless of the reason, the court may assume you intentionally skipped unless you take proactive steps to explain and correct the issue.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
Trying to handle a bench warrant on your own is risky. Walking into court without legal representation could result in being taken into custody on the spot. With an experienced attorney from Law Office of Michael L. Fell on your side, you may be able to avoid arrest altogether and have the warrant recalled.
What We Can Do:
- File a motion to recall or quash the warrant
- Appear in court on your behalf, depending on the charge
- Explain your absence to the judge and present supporting documentation
- Minimize additional penalties and help you stay out of jail
- Protect your rights and manage any related criminal charges
In many cases, especially for first-time offenders or those with a clean record, courts are willing to be flexible—if the situation is handled correctly.
Don’t Wait for an Arrest—Take Control Now
The worst thing you can do after missing a court appearance is ignore the problem. A bench warrant will not go away on its own, and waiting increases the likelihood of arrest and harsher penalties.
At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we understand how overwhelming the justice system can feel—especially when a simple mistake leads to a serious legal threat. Our team is here to help you resolve your warrant, protect your record, and move forward with your life.
If you’ve missed a court date or believe a bench warrant has been issued in your name, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today. We’ll guide you through the next steps and fight to keep you out of custody and in control of your future.