A bench warrant is issued when a defendant fails to show up for a scheduled court hearing. Once this is issued, the defendant is out for immediate arrest at any time of the day. Bench warrants are issued when there is a failure to appear in court, probation violations, missing payments, and failing to respond to a subpoena. 

To resolve a bench warrant, one must:

• Immediately contact an attorney: an attorney will be able to guide you through how to deal with this and how to proceed in the best way possible to get the bench warrant resolved before you are arrested. 

• Appear in court voluntarily: oftentimes if you appear in court voluntarily, the judge will reverse the bench warrant instead of arresting you. 

• File a motion to recall the warrant: your lawyer can file a motion to end the warrant before you are arrested.

• Resolve the issue: if the warrant was filed due to the lack of paying a fine, probation violations, or failing to complete court conditions, you may be able to remove the warrant by resolving the issue.

• Avoid risky situations until the warrant is resolved: avoid situation avoiding law enforcement until the bench warrant is lifted