Is a Bench Warrant a Felony?
A bench warrant is a type of warrant issued by a judge, typically for failure to appear in court or comply with a court order. When a bench warrant is issued, it means that the individual named in the warrant has failed to meet their obligations, and the court has taken the step of issuing a warrant for their arrest. But the question remains: is a bench warrant a felony?
Direct Answer: No, a Bench Warrant is Not a Felony
In most cases, a bench warrant is not a felony. A felony is a type of criminal offense that is punishable by more than one year in prison. A bench warrant, on the other hand, is a civil warrant that is intended to bring the individual into court to answer for their failure to comply with a court order.
Why is a Bench Warrant Issued?
A bench warrant is typically issued when an individual fails to:
• Appear in court for a scheduled hearing or trial
• Pay a fine or court costs
• Comply with a court order, such as a restraining order or a child support order
• Attend a court-ordered appointment, such as a counseling session or a probation meeting
What Happens When a Bench Warrant is Issued?
When a bench warrant is issued, it means that the individual named in the warrant is required to surrender themselves to the authorities and appear in court. The individual may be arrested and taken into custody, or they may be able to turn themselves in voluntarily.
Consequences of Ignoring a Bench Warrant
If an individual ignores a bench warrant, they may face additional consequences, including:
• Arrest and Jailing: The individual may be arrested and taken into custody, where they may be held until they appear in court or until the warrant is lifted.
• Increased Fines and Fees: The individual may be required to pay additional fines and fees, including costs associated with the arrest and booking process.
• Loss of Privileges: The individual may lose certain privileges, such as the right to vote, hold public office, or own a firearm.
• Difficulty in the Future: Ignoring a bench warrant can make it more difficult to resolve future legal issues, as the individual may be viewed as non-compliant and untrustworthy.
How to Resolve a Bench Warrant
To resolve a bench warrant, the individual named in the warrant should:
• Turn Themselves In: The individual should surrender themselves to the authorities and appear in court to address the outstanding issues.
• Pay the Outstanding Fine or Fees: The individual should pay the outstanding fine or fees associated with the warrant.
• Comply with the Court Order: The individual should comply with the court order or agreement that was in place before the warrant was issued.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, a bench warrant is not a felony, but rather a civil warrant intended to bring an individual into court to answer for their failure to comply with a court order. Ignoring a bench warrant can have serious consequences, including arrest, increased fines and fees, and loss of privileges. To resolve a bench warrant, the individual should turn themselves in, pay the outstanding fine or fees, and comply with the court order.
