How do I know if I have a warrant?

All Warrants require your immediate attention. Warrants do not expire in the State of California.
The three types of Warrants commonly issued in California are: Bench Warrant; Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant.

Road Justice can help you with your warrant
We offer FREE consultations - Get in contact today!

Warrants can be a serious issue if not dealt with swiftly

What happens if you ignore your warrant?

If you ignore your Bench Warrant, Arrest Warrant or Search Warrant your legal matter will be escalated within the judicial system.
The cost is far more than just money! Ignoring your Warrant can lead to further charges being laid against you. Apart from added violations, increased fines, licence suspensions and cancellation, there is even the possibility of jail.

Warrants do not expire in the state of California and will not go away.

How do I know if I have a warrant?

There are numerous ways to find out if you have a warrant.

California Department of Justice and Attorney General can perform a background check to see if you have any outstanding warrants. Various websites also exist, but they come at a cost and don’t always have full Judicial Information. Warrants in California are considered a public record. The data input can be subject to delays. This can affect the accuracy of the information.

Speaking to the clerk or attending the courthouse in the County of issue can provide accurate information, but may lead to your arrest. If you feel that you may have a Warrant issued in your name, contact your Attorney. They can search within the judicial system. They can then provide you with the best possible way to proceed.

How do I check if someone has a warrant?

In the state of California you are able to perform a free online Warrant search. There is a Wanted Persons System (WPS).

This is provided by the Department of Justice and the Attorney General. You can also contact the courthouse in the county where you think a warrant may be issued. Some Courthouses have a Warrants line specifically dedicated to this. If you cannot get your results by phone then you can visit the courthouse physically.

At Road Justice we are happy to assist our clients in accessing the most up to date Judicial records to determine whether Warrants exist for the nominated person.

How should I proceed?

Contact your Attorney as soon as possible. They will establish what type of Warrant has been issued in your name and obtain verification of your Warrant. Remember there are different ways of proceeding for different cases. Having as much information on your matter will ensure the best possible outcome. Be sure that you provide your attorney with as much evidence as you can to assist with your matter.

At Road Justice our team of Attorneys treat you as an individual. Our successful resolution rate is a testament to our dedicated team and their efforts. Our aim is to provide all of our clients with the best possible outcome.

We're Here To Help

The process is as easy as can be - simply call or contact us online for a FREE consultation! We'll go over your case and all options that are available.
Then we send you a standard attorney-client agreement either via email or through the mail with all information and instructions you need to continue.
Once you send back these documents, we're ready to go - you don't have to lift a finger whatsoever!
We will constantly update you on the status of your case, but there's no reason for you to take time off work, speak to the court or attend any court dates.
We take care of everything!

What types of warrants are there in California?

A Warrant is issued by the Court. It is then given to Law enforcement to serve on the person named in the warrant. Warrants not served are known as Active Warrants. If an active warrant is unable to be served, after time, it becomes an outstanding warrant.
All Warrants require your immediate attention. Warrants do not expire in the State of California.
The three types of Warrants commonly issued in California are: Bench Warrant; Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant.

Road Justice can help you with your warrant related questions.
We offer FREE consultations - Get in contact today!

Warrants can be a serious issue if not dealt with swiftly

Bench Warrant

Bench Warrant is the most common warrant issues in California. A bench warrant is dispensed from the court, by a judge. Any failure to obey any order issued by California court can lead to a Bench Warrant being issued.

Some examples of this are

  • failure to pay fines
  • failure to attend classes or counselling
  • failure to appear at court.

Call your Attorney as soon as possible if you have been served with a Bench Warrant. You have a small window of time to act. Rather than surrender yourself to police custody, arrangements can be made to appear for arraignment. In some cases, it is possible for your Attorney to appear for you at arraignment and deal with your matter without you even attending.

Arrest Warrant

Arrest Warrant is usually initiated by police officer and/or DA and then issued by a judge.
This is done only when there is probable cause that a crime has been committed. This gives law enforcement the right to arrest and detain the person named in the Warrant.

There are two types of arrest Warrants, Felony Arrest Warrant (PC 813-PC816) and Misdemeanour arrest Warrant (PC 1427).
Do you believe you have an arrest warrant issued in your name? If so contact your attorney now. After establishing a warrant does exist – your attorney may have the matter dealt with by going directly to court.
The arrest warrant may be cleared without you spending any time in jail.

Search Warrant

Search Warrants are issued when it is suspected that that criminal activity exists in a particular location.

A magistrate will issue a Search Warrant. This is based on evidence presented by a police officer, and whether there is probable cause. The details of the Search Warrant are laid out and must be followed. For example: the time of execution & where exactly officers can search.

Your Attorney should be there when the Search Warrant is being executed. Police are required to provide written receipts of all items seized. Your Attorney can represent you in any further Court Proceedings and present any facts that may help you. They may move to suppress evidence or present new evidence so that the magistrate hearing your case may make an informed decision.

We're Here To Help

The process is as easy as can be - simply call or contact us online for a FREE consultation! We'll go over your case and all options that are available.
Then we send you a standard attorney-client agreement either via email or through the mail with all information and instructions you need to continue.
Once you send back these documents, we're ready to go - you don't have to lift a finger whatsoever!
We will constantly update you on the status of your case, but there's no reason for you to take time off work, speak to the court or attend any court dates.
We take care of everything!

What Are Traffic Misdemeanors?

Traffic offenses that are no dangerous and are nothing more than driving violations are called “infractions.” However, some traffic offenses can be seen as misdemeanors.

Such acts as (but not limited to):

Misdemeanors vary across the states, with some misdemeanors costing the violator around $10,000 plus some time in jail.

Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses

How Are Traffic Offenses Classified?

Depending on the traffic offense, it will vary. If the traffic offense is non-dangerous, than the likely outcome will be that the person will receive a ticket.
However, if the traffic offense has violated a serious offense such as seeing, switching lanes, or a hit and run, the person will then be taken in for that reckless and dangerous driving.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI & DWI) are also severe offenses that in some cases lead to time in prison.
The punishment for certain misdemeanors comes under the discretion of the court.

Are There Certain Times Where Traffic Offenses Are Provoked By Third-Parties?

What do we mean by this?

There are also situations where people may be FORCED or COERCED into certain traffic offenses, which they would not have done otherwise. For example, a person who is held by gunpoint to drive to a specific location at high speeds would not necessarily be in violation of the law.

In a situation like this, when a person is being forced to go over the speed limit, it is not uncommon for them to not be punished by the law as they were being forced to commit the offense under threat of injury.

 

Should A Person Hire a Lawyer if They Have Committed a Traffic Offense?

The idea of hiring a lawyer will be determinate upon the severity of the traffic offense. If it is a small offense that results in a ticket, you will be able to fight that yourself, however here at Road Justice, we pride ourselves on having a ticket dismissal rate of over 70%!
For best results you should definitely hire an Attorney. The benefits of doing so will be immediately visible and will outweigh the monetary repercussions you will potentially face in court.
Did you know that Road Justice offers Free Consultations? Get in contact with us and we’ll discuss your options, no matter the case.

 

The More You Know

It is essential to do as much research as you can in regards to the laws in YOUR state, as each state operates under their local laws which differ state to state.
The more knowledgeable you are about your state and the traffic laws, the better you will be able to follow them, and if need be, fight back for your Road Justice.

Suspended License in California

Any driver that drives with a suspended license is committing a crime according to the laws in the state of California. Some drivers are aware of the fact that their license has been suspended and some are not aware. In any case, the laws are written for immediate enforcement and a license suspension notice from the DMV is a serious matter that should be immediately addressed.
There are four common types of license suspensions in California. They are negligent operation, failure to appear, DUI and reexamination suspension. Each of these types of suspensions will eliminate your ability to drive for a predetermined amount of time.

 

Under negligent operation suspension, any driver that accumulates excessive points in the time period permitted under law will receive a license suspension. Points that are added to a license by the DMV will remain until cleared or dismissed. The addition of four points within 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in a 36 month period will cause your license to be suspended.

A failure to appear suspension, known as an FTA, can be due to a missed court date, unpaid tickets or child support arrears. This information is immediately reported to the DMV by the court and a hold is placed on your license. This hold is a form of a suspension and will take away your privilege to drive.

An arrest for suspicion of a DUI requires an immediate suspension of your drivers license. After the arrest is made, the arresting officer will confiscate your license and submit it to the DMV for a notice of suspension.

A suspension by reexamination can be enforced by your lack of knowledge of driving laws, prior convictions for DUI or traffic violations or your inability to operate a vehicle safety in the opinion of a police officer.
You have the legal right to request a DMV hearing for review and determination of your ability to legally drive. Knowing the law is not enough to make a defense on your own behalf. The information, facts and opinions that will be presented at a DMV hearing require the experience of a legal professional to understand.