What’s the Difference Between an Arrest Warrant and a Bench Warrant?

You may have been tending to your own business, with no idea that you were in legal trouble. That is, you had no idea until you were served a warrant. That warrant means you can be arrested at any time, whether you’re on the road or in your own home or anywhere else.

Different warrants are issued for different reasons, and this can help you understand why you’re being taken to court. If you’re not sure what the difference is between an arrest warrant and a bench warrant, reach out to a criminal defense lawyer in the metro Detroit area for help.

What Does an Arrest Warrant Do?

When you’re accused of committing a crime, you may have an arrest warrant served for your arrest. An arrest warrant may be issued if you’re accused of a misdemeanor or felony. This type of warrant may be issued if there’s probable cause to believe you committed a crime.

Once an investigation is underway, you may be arrested at any time under the arrest warrant. You may be arrested at your home or at work, for example, which can be disruptive, embarrassing, and upsetting. Worse, you may be booked and kept in jail for some time.

If you believe there’s an arrest warrant out for you, your criminal defense lawyer can help you prepare for your trial. They have the tools to make your arrest discreet and lower-stress. They can also work to help you minimize your time in jail if you’re arrested.

How a Bench Warrant Differs

You may believe you didn’t commit a crime, but you still have a warrant for your arrest. In these cases, your warrant may be a bench warrant. While both types of warrants can lead to an arrest, a bench warrant is typically served for a different purpose.

A bench warrant comes from a judge after you fail to appear in court. That may be because of a fine, hearing, or indictment that you failed to appear for. If you didn’t show up for your court date, the judge can issue one of these warrants for your arrest.

Your criminal defense lawyer in metro Detroit can handle your bench warrant in a similar way to your arrest warrant. In both cases, your lawyer can help you discreetly handle your arrest, prepare for court, and even potentially reduce or dismiss the charges you may face.

Get the Answers You Need When Served a Warrant

Whether you’re facing an arrest warrant or a bench warrant, the end result can be similar: jail time, high fines, and a mark on your criminal record. That can hurt your future, and failing to act on that warrant may only make things worse.

Here’s the good news—you don’t have to deal with your warrant alone. The lawyers at the Schwartz Law Group can help you address your warrant, gather evidence for your day in court, and work to get your charges reduced or dismissed. When you’re ready to get help with your case, reach out by calling 248-930-5019 or by filling out the online contact form below.