What Do I Need to Do for a Bench Warrant?

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Indianapolis Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Bench warrants are arrest warrants, simply put. They are generally issued in criminal cases after a person violates a court order. The term “bench” is meant to refer to the judge’s bench, while the phrase is meant to imply that an offender is being called to the judge’s bench to answer for their crimes. In Indiana, bench warrants are mostly issued for FTA violations. The acronym “FTA” stands for “failure to appear.” It is when a person fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing following an arrest or criminal charge. When this happens, offenders can expect a judge to issue a bench warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest them on sight.

The Difference Between Arrest and Bench Warrants

Many people confuse arrest warrants with bench warrants since they both authorize the arrest of an offender. But the difference between the two warrants is great. For a judge to issue an arrest warrant, they must rely on the state’s testimony and evidence. Whereas a judge can issue a bench warrant solely on the violation of the court order itself.
Also, arrest warrants are usually issued for more serious cases, and will cause law enforcement to immediately begin the search and detainment an offender. When facing a bench warrant, a person’s name is entered and flagged into a state-wide database that is used by the entire law enforcement community. If they have a random (or even innocent) encounter with police, for instance a routine traffic stop, police CAN and WILL arrest them and take them into custody on the spot.

What to Do

If you are facing a bench warrant in Indiana, it is in your best interest to surrender to law enforcement as soon as possible. The safest and most comfortable method for turning yourself in is using the help of a local and experienced Indiana bail bond company. They can pre-arrange your release from jail so that you can turn yourself in, get booked into the jail’s system, and be home in time for supper. In most cases, an experience bail bondsman can obtain a release from jail for a bench warrant in as little as a couple of hours. This, of course, also depends on how busy the jail is that day and the amount of jail staff.

Many companies also offer free pickup and drop off services to and from the jail, to their office. This means you can easily drive yourself to the bail bond office, pre-arrange your bail bond, and get bailed out of jail, all on your own. Once you pay the bail for your bench warrant, the warrant is formally recalled. But then you will be scheduled a new court date to face your previous charges, as well as, the penalties for missing your initial hearing.

Woods Bail Bonds

Woods Bail Bonds Indiana

Indiana Bail Bonds 317-876-9600

Call Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 to prearrange a bail bond in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, James Woods, and his team of bail bondsmen, are licensed, insured, and bonded. They have served the Hoosier counties with trusted bail bond services for over 30 years! Whether you need to prearrange bail or post bail for a loved one, we are the friendly professionals for the job. We provide 24 hour bail bond services in virtually ALL Indiana counties, as well as, a wide range of additional services. Call 317-876-9600 to learn more about Indianapolis
bail bonds
, any time.