What happens if you have a bench warrant in California?

Asked by: Prof. Irving Stiedemann  |  Last update: October 23, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (19 votes)

If you have a bench warrant, you will be arrested. In California, a bench warrant is considered contempt of court, and it can carry serious consequences. You may face additional fines or jail time. It is smart to plan to turn yourself in.

How long do you stay in jail for a bench warrant in California?

How long do you stay in jail for bench warrant? The duration of jail time for a bench warrant varies based on factors such as the nature of the underlying offense and local laws. You may be held until a hearing or until bail is posted, potentially lasting from a few hours to several days.

How to clear a bench warrant without going to jail in California?

If your bench warrant was issued due to unpaid fines or fees, your lawyer can work with the court to establish a payment plan or negotiate a reduced amount. By demonstrating a willingness to pay, you may be able to clear the warrant without being arrested.

How do you deal with a bench warrant in California?

You can often clear or “quash” a bench warrant by appearing in court or having their lawyer appear on your behalf. To quash a bench warrant means the court will remove it from California's judicial system. They are typically issued for the following reasons: Failure to appear (FTA).

Can you get a job with a bench warrant?

If you have a bench warrant, then it very well could stop you from getting a job. If you are looking at a position that requires a security clearance, then you need to get the bench warrant taken care of quickly. Unless the job involves making license plates in prison.

What if I Have a Bench Warrant in California?

19 related questions found

How long do you stay in jail for a warrant for missing court?

If you were a defendant in an ongoing criminal case and were arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear, you could potentially be held in custody until the completion of your trial. Depending on the complexity of the case and the court's docket, this period can span several months or longer.

Will a warrant show up on a background check for a gun?

The short answer is yes, warrants will typically show up on a background check report, but it can depend on how thoroughly someone is checking. All warrants are traceable in some way, so it's best to assume that they'll be found. If there's a warrant out on you, be forthright with those running your background check.

What happens when you turn yourself in for a bench warrant?

Going to a Police Station: You can also turn yourself in by going to your local police department or sheriff's office. Depending on your case, a police officer may help you schedule a bench warrant hearing and release you on your own recognizance or have you remain in custody until your court hearing.

How to clear a failure to appear in California?

How to Clear a Failure to Appear in California
  1. Be Proactive and Show up to Court. ...
  2. Get a Copy of the Original Ticket. ...
  3. Attend the Hearing and Plead Not Guilty. ...
  4. OR Ask for Leniency. ...
  5. Attend the Court for Your Original Charge and Pay the Required Fines.

Can you fly with a bench warrant?

Yes, you can technically fly with a bench warrant, especially on domestic flights, as the TSA does not specifically check for warrants. However, it is risky because any encounter with law enforcement, such as during a security incident or a routine check, could lead to the discovery of the warrant and your arrest.

Are bench warrants bad?

For instance, if an individual neglects to attend a court hearing related to a criminal charge or traffic violation, the judge may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This failure to appear can result in severe consequences, including potential imprisonment and increased fines.

Can a lawyer clear a warrant in California?

In the State of California, defense lawyers play an invaluable role in helping you clear and remove criminal warrants. For example, attorneys can research to find whether you are even subject to a warrant. If an outstanding warrant is in existence, a lawyer can identify which type of warrant it is.

Can I pay off my bench warrant?

No. There is no such thing as a payment plan on a cash-alternative warrant. You will need to go to court to quash the warrant.

How long do you stay in jail for a warrant for missing court in the UK?

If convicted for failing to turn up at Court you could be sent to prison for up to 3 months. This is on top of any sentence that is imposed for the original offence for which you were on bail after failing to turn up at court.

Do California warrants expire?

In California, arrest warrants don't expire. This means that they can appear on a person's background check. Something to keep in mind is that, according to California law, the offenses that led to the arrest warrant are subject to the criminal statute of limitations.

What is a bench warrant in California?

In California, a bench warrant is a legal document issued by a judge instructing law enforcement to arrest a subject immediately. It is typically served when the subject fails to comply with a court order. Once arrested, the subject must face the original charges plus any charges resulting from the bench warrant.

Can I just pay my ticket and not go to court in California?

Yes, for non-mandatory infraction cases, a clerk may grant a payment alternative as a bail forfeiture option in lieu of appearing in Court. However, if you have a mandatory infraction or misdemeanor case, you must appear in Court and make your request for a payment alternative to the Judicial Officer.

Is failure to appear a felony in California?

A failure to appear can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on what specifically you were charged with. For more information, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers are providing a detailed review below.

When's the best time to turn yourself in?

When Is the Best Time to Turn Myself In? Early in the morning on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This gives the judge overseeing your case enough time to see you before Friday, which means you're less likely to spend the weekend in jail.

Do police actively search for bench warrants?

Police may actively or passively search for you

Once a bench warrant is issued, police officers will execute it by arresting you.

What should I do before I turn myself in?

The first thing to do when you find out that you have a warrant is to contact a criminal defense lawyer. A lawyer will advise you of your options and can contact the authorities to arrange for you to turn yourself in. An attorney can help in the following ways: Explain the charges on the warrant.

Will jobs hire you if you have a warrant?

Since most public warrants are publicly accessible as part of court records they may be found by employers during a background check. Bottom line, you can get hired if you have a warrant. In most cases, yes, especially if it does not lead to a conviction.

What makes you fail a gun background check?

The federally prohibiting criteria are as follows: A person who has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year or any state offense classified by the state as a misdemeanor and is punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than two years.

What does a warrant look like on a background check?

Standard criminal background checks typically will not show outstanding warrants such as an open warrant or a bench warrant. An open warrant for someone's arrest is a warrant that has been issued by a magistrate or judge but has not been executed.