Las Vegas Bench Warrants Explained
As a long-running and respected Law Office in Southern Nevada, we at Ticket Attorney Law Office receive many questions regarding warrants, warrant quashing, and the specifics on individual warrant-related cases. Today we’d like to share with you a break-down of one of the most common types of warrants in Las Vegas: the bench warrant.
Similar to arrest warrants, a bench warrant in Las Vegas authorizes Nevada police to arrest and detain you on bail, at any time. The major differences between arrest warrants and bench warrants follow:
Arrest warrants must be formally requested by police, from judges. Bench warrants, on the other hand, are initiated by the judges themselves. As well, arrest warrants begin the start of a criminal case, while bench warrants typically pop up while a criminal case is already underway (i.e. when the judge finds you in “contempt of court.”
What is contempt of court? Examples follow…
- missing a court date (such as an arraignment, a sentencing, or a status check)
- forgetting or neglecting to pay a fine, attending counseling, or complete community service, and/or
- neglecting to follow any other court order
A judge in Las Vegas may also decide to issue a Las Vegas bench warrant if you are not currently in custody but have been named in an indictment. Or, if you refuse to testify in a Nevada court, a judge may choose to order a bench warrant as well. Note: Nevada judges may not order bench warrants for you to appear personally in preliminary hearings as long as counsel/attorneys appear on your behalf and file a waiver for your personal appearance.
If you have further question regarding bench warrants, arrest warrants, warrant quashing, or other warrant-related needs in Southern Nevada, call the Ticket Attorney Law Office today at (702) 382-2000 for a free consultation. We are here to help clarify any confusion you may have and to keep your record clean and respectable.
