New Jersey law often requires you to perform some legal duty like appear in court when you have a hearing or trial. When you are accused of not performing a legal obligation a warrant is issued for your arrest. This warrant is different from a typical arrest warrant. Once a bench warrant is issued, a police officer can search for you and arrest you.

A bench warrant is issued for many reasons, such as:

  • Failure to appear at a scheduled court date
  • Failure to pay fines
  • Failure to pay child support
  • Failure to perform community service
  • Failure to comply with a court order
  • Parole violation
  • Probation violation
  • Condition of bail violation (revocation of bail)
  • Court order violation

Having a bench warrant issued is a scary situation. You may be fearful of arrest while you are traveling to work, school or with your children. When you have a bench warrant outstanding, you need the help of an experienced bench warrant attorney. Your lawyer may be able to work with the court to negotiate a voluntary agreement for you to appear in court without being arrested. Fontanella, Benevento, Galluccio & Smith is dedicated to assisting you in resolving your bench warrant.

Bench Warrant Procedures

A bench warrant does not expire. Instead, it stays in effect until you are arrested or the warrant is recalled by the court. Recalled is a legal term for the judge eliminating the bench warrant because the conditions of the warrant are satisfied. If you’re arrested on a bench warrant, you remain in jail until you post bail.

If you or a loved one has an active bench warrant, you should seek immediate legal help. Do not wait until the police arrest you or you could face more serious legal penalties. Fontanella, Benevento, Galluccio & Smith is here to help.

Possible Bench Warrant Penalties in NJ

The fact that you can be arrested at any time and remain in jail until you make bail is a huge risk. However, New Jersey also has a hidden penalty associated with a bench warrant. That additional penalty is driver’s license suspension. It is common for the judge to issue a notice of driver’s license suspension along with a bench warrant. Since driving is a privilege and not a right, the state takes away this privilege until the bench warrant is resolved. In other words, it is another way for the state to get you to comply with your legal obligation.

Fontanella, Benevento, Galluccio & Smith will help you resolve you bench warrant issue so it can be closed out or completed to the court’s satisfaction.