What happens if you have a bench warrant in South Carolina?
Asked by: Mohammad Goodwin Sr. | Last update: July 10, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (9 votes)
You will be held in custody until you can see a judge which could be as soon as the next business day depending on the time of day you were arrested. Ignoring a bench warrant can lead to significant jail time, making it crucial to seek legal representation to avoid imprisonment.
What happens if you have a bench warrant in SC?
If arrested, you will remain in jail until the bench warrant is lifted, The prosecutor might move to revoke your bond and force you to remain in jail until the end of your case, You could be held in contempt of court by the judge – a criminal offense that could result in fines or jail time, and.
What happens when you turn yourself in for a bench warrant?
If you decide to turn yourself in, bring bail money. You will be arrested on the warrant and you will probably be required to post bail and given a court date. If you're lucky, they may just decide to give you a court date and release you ROR.
Can you still get a job if you have a bench warrant?
Q: Can I still apply for jobs with an failure to appear warrant? A: Yes. But if you apply for a job and the hiring staff sees your warrant then you probably won't get hired and the cops may even be called. Still, this does not physically preclude your ability to apply for work anywhere that you choose.
Do warrants show up on rental background checks?
Consumer reporting agencies can only report criminal history that involves convictions; they cannot report information about arrests. Arrest warrants and bench warrants are not part of the criminal record and will not show up on a criminal background check.
Got a Bench Warrant in South Carolina? Now what? | Charleston, SC Criminal Defense Attorney
How do I clear a warrant in South Carolina?
- Contact a criminal defense attorney — An experienced lawyer can guide you on the best course of action. ...
- Reach out to local law enforcement — Sometimes, you can clear a warrant by contacting the issuing agency directly.
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 does a warrant stay active in South Carolina?
Unlike search and arrest warrants, there is no set expiration date for bench and fugitive warrants in South Carolina. After issuance, these orders remain active until the underlying issue is resolved, such as the defendant's court appearance or the capture and return of the fugitive to the state.
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.
Can police find out where you work if you have a warrant?
Yes, law enforcement can show up at your workplace if there is an active warrant for your arrest. Police may take this action to apprehend individuals they believe are evading arrest, and they often prioritize locations where they think they can find the person.
Does turning yourself in reduce your sentence?
There are so many things that factor into sentencing that there is no way to say “turning yourself in will cut off 2yrs or 60% of your sentence.” In general, in the US plea deals result in less harsh punishments because you are saving the state the time, money and uncertainty of a trial.
Can a warrant be dropped in SC?
If you contact your criminal defense attorney (or retain an attorney) immediately, your attorney may be able to file a motion to lift your bench warrant, get a hearing scheduled before you are arrested, and explain to the court 1) why you did not appear at your court date and 2) that your attorney will make sure you ...
Will I go to jail if I turn myself in for a bench warrant?
If you turn yourself in for a bench warrant, it is possible that you go to jail until you can appear before a judge for a bench warrant hearing.
What happens if you miss a court date in South Carolina?
However, missing a court date in South Carolina can lead to serious consequences, including bench warrants, additional penalties, and complications in your case. Before the situation gets out of hand, it's important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for guidance.
Can you get a job with a bench warrant?
Whether a warrant might show up on an employment background check depends on the type of search conducted, the jurisdiction in which the warrant was issued, and the type of warrant. If a warrant appears on a background check, the employer should take specific steps before deciding against hiring the applicant.
Can you leave the US with a bench warrant?
Therefore, we advise you not to risk travel with an existing warrant. Any intended traveler inclined to travel out of the country may face detention at the airport by TSA authorities. So, ask your legal advisor to help you design your travel plan prior to booking an air ticket.
Can you get in trouble if you know someone has a warrant?
Basically, the short answer to this question is YES, if you let the person live in your home and you know that he has a warrant out for his arrest. If you are facing an accessory charge it is imperative to consult a criminal defense attorney.
How long does it take to lift a bench warrant?
Most judges will grant an attorney's motion to recall within seven days. Once the Motion to Recall is granted, the bench warrant will be quashed and a new court date set.
How do warrants work in SC?
In most cases, the officer will submit a signed, notarized “warrant affidavit” as part of the arrest warrant that states the probable cause the arrest will be based upon. The judge then signs the warrant, authorizing any law enforcement officer to take the person into custody.
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.
Can I rent a car if I have a warrant?
The most common company is Rent-A-Car. They will allow you to rent a car with a felony warrant. There are a few other companies that allow you to do this as well. It is important to check with the company you are renting from to make sure they allow you to do this.
Do bench warrants show up in other states?
How California shares warrant information with other states. In California, warrant information is primarily shared through the NCIC. When a warrant is issued in California, law enforcement agencies often enter it into the NCIC, making it accessible to officers across the country.