Bench Warrants or Arrest Warrants
A bench warrant is a written court order stating that you have been arrested and detained by police. Usually, a bench warrant is executed or served during routine traffic stops (DUI, reckless driving, speeding, driving with a headlight out, tint etc.). However, in more serious situations, a police officer or law enforcement officer may arrive at your home or job and act upon the warrant in front of your loved ones and or colleagues. This can cause issues in both your personal and/or professional life. Typically, a warrant for someone’s arrest is not public record and therefore the accused may not expect to be arrested. Sometimes the courts are more lenient if action is taken in a speedy manner (turning yourself in at the police station).
Why Are Bench Warrants Issued in MD?
If you fail to show up to court for a criminal charge, you can receive a bench warrant. This can include (but is not limited to):
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Assault
- Battery
- Theft
- Drug Possession
- Gun Crimes
- Failure to Pay Child Support
- Attempted Murder
- Sex Crimes
Generally, the longer a bench warrant goes unattended, the more severe the penalties can be. Time is of the essence; you should contact Caroline Norman Frost at 240-213-1802 as soon as possible so that she can file a Motion to Quash and start preparing a defense in your case.
Can you post Bail for Bench Warrants?
In Maryland, you can post bail to get out of jail or be released from detention if the judge allows it. The cost of bail typically depends on how serious the crime was, your prior record, prior FTAs, when it happened and if you were picked up by police or chose to turn yourself in. A judge does not have to issue a bail, but pretrial release is also an option and so is holding the defendant without bond.
You should never face a bench warrant alone. Caroline Norman Frost is a former prosecutor that has extensive experience dealing with bench warrants. Call us today at 240-213-1802 for a free consultation.