Bench warrants are issued by judges or magistrates when a person fails to comply with court orders, such as when a defendant fails to show up for a scheduled court appearance. While the laws that govern bench warrants differ from state to state, a person can usually have a bench warrant "quashed" — meaning overthrown or set aside — by convincing the judge that they had a valid reason to violate the court order.
When a warrant is quashed or set aside, it is overturned. The presiding judge is the person who can do this, and once a warrant is quashed, it is no longer in effect. The quashing of warrants usually occurs with minor offences such as bench warrants.
Bench warrants are like arrest warrants because they order the police to take you into custody and bring you before the judge. Once you find out that there is a bench warrant out against you, you should immediately contact The Meranda Law Firm LTD.
How an Attorney Can Help
As your defense attorney, we will need to explain to the judge the reasons why you missed your court date. Sometimes unavoidable events get in the way of important court dates. Whether you were unavoidably detained, forgot your court date, or just didn't go that day, you will need to be honest about why you didn't appear. This will allow us to provide an accurate assessment of your options.
Appearing before the judge, we can file a motion to quash the bench warrant, or we can bring you before the judge and argue the motion in person. Either way, you will need to go to court with us to ask the judge to quash the motion. It's very important that you do not add insult to injury by missing this court date too.
Is a Warrant Out for Your Arrest? Contact Us Today!
If there is a warrant for your arrest, we urge you to contact a Columbus criminal defense attorney from The Meranda Law Firm LTD. We may be able to file a motion to quash and get your warrant lifted. To get connected with our representative, please call (614) 707-4239. We can help you get started on your case by arranging a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Related Pages
- Steps of the Criminal Process
- How Do I Find Out If I Have a Warrant In Franklin County?
- College & Crimes
- Warrants
- Criminal Defense FAQ
Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Columbus, OH. Call (614) 707-4239 today to find out if you can get your bench warrant quashed by a judge.