The difference between a bench warrant and a police warrant for arrest

  
June 17, 2011
By James E. Novak, P.L.L.C. on June 17, 2011 6:36 AM |

Arrest Warrants - Facts You Should Know about Outstanding Arrest Warrants in Tempe AZ

"What Good Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyers do to Quash Your Tempe Arrest Warrant"
Find out if you have an outstanding arrest warrant

There are various ways to find out if you have an arrest warrant. However, the safest, most reliable way is to contact a Tempe criminal defense lawyer or Tempe DUI lawyer. Simply let them know that you suspect there may be one and why. A criminal defense
Attorney will conduct a search through their most commonly used resources. Once found, they will advise you of the most accurate information available, and provide you information for defense options.

Types of Tempe AZ Arrest Warrants
In general there are two types of "arrest warrants":
• Police Arrest Warrants: Warrants issued by Police or Law Enforcement Officials in order to detain or arrest someone. An arrest warrant is issued when a crime is committed and there is a reasonable belief, substantiated by concrete evidence that a person was involved in the crime. It also allows the police officer to search a person or place if they have good reason to believe a crime was or is being committed.
• Bench Arrest Warrants: These are warrants issued by the Tempe Court Judge. A bench warrant is issued against a person after they have failed to appear for their scheduled court appearance date and time. There are many reasons a person many not have appeared in court as scheduled. Some reasons are better than others of course. But no matter what the reason, it is best to retain a criminal defense attorney who will tell your side of the story and present a compelling argument on your behalf based on the circumstances.

Your Defense Options for Outstanding Arrest Warrant in Tempe AZ
Do not ignore an arrest warrant. It is a very serious matter. They don't just go away by themselves. Some people are arrested decades later upon being stopped for a minor traffic violation or other matter. Sooner or later you will be picked up and arrested. In Arizona there are no expiration dates on an outstanding arrest warrant. If you have a warrant it will remain outstanding until either the bond is posted or the judge decides to "quash" or cancel it. The judge may require a bond be posted before canceling the warrant. So it is best to be make arrangements in advance to post a bond for your court appearance.

1) The first option you have is to pay the bond amount set by the judge. Once you pay the bond amount, the warrant will be quashed and you will be given a new court date if the warrant is for failure to appear. You must appear on the new scheduled court date if you have not hired a Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyer who may be able to make other more favorable arrangements on your behalf. If you miss your court date again, or cause further delays, the more harshly you will be treated by the court and the more severe your penalties will be.

2) The second option is to appear before the judge during the Walk-in Docket. Tempe Court usually provides a daily time for defendants who need to make unscheduled court appearances. Unscheduled appearances are heard only at specified times available by the Tempe AZ Court. In the least you should consult a Tempe AZ criminal attorney to discuss your matter and how to proceed given your defense options.

3) The third option is the best way for you to deal with an arrest warrant: Retain a private practice Tempe criminal attorney or Tempe DUI lawyer. As soon as you find out, one exists early retention is the key to a successful defense. This is the time frame where you most likely will have the most defense options. Your Tempe criminal lawyer will confirm the facts, and if retained, can file a Motion to quash your warrant. At that point they can also begin tailoring a solid defense strategy for your Tempe Criminal or Tempe DUI charges.

If you have an outstanding warrant for arrest in Arizona or have been arrested in Maricopa County for AZ DUI other criminal charges contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor).

The Law Office of James Novak is devoted 100% to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in valley wide within Maricopa County including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert Arizona, East Valley, AZ and surrounding cities in Phoenix metro area.

This blog and commentary has been posted for general public informational purposes only. All articles by this author are intended to raise awareness and generate discussion on a variety of Arizona State Law issues and topics. Note that Arizona legislation, laws, and bills are often presented and changing. If you have a criminal or DUI defense matter related to this topic, it is important that you consult or hire an Arizona criminal or AZ DUI lawyer in the jurisdiction or municipality of Arizona where you received your charges for up to date information.