Warrants, Failures to Appear, and Bench Warrants – What Now? | Arizona Criminal Lawyer Explains

Do you have a warrant, failure to appear (FTA), or bench warrant hanging over your head in Arizona and don’t know what to do next? In this video, an experienced Arizona criminal lawyer from Jackson White Law explains what these warrants mean, what can happen if you ignore them, and practical steps you can take now to start fixing the problem.

In Arizona, a warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to take specific action, often to arrest you, search a location, or seize property. Arrest warrants typically follow criminal investigations or charges, while bench warrants are usually issued when someone disobeys a court order or misses a required court date. Failing to appear in court can quickly turn a minor case into a much bigger problem, leading to higher fines, possible jail time, and a warrant that can surface at the worst possible moment, such as during a routine traffic stop.

In this video, we cover:

What Arizona arrest warrants, bench warrants, and failures to appear actually are
How missing court or not paying fines can lead to a bench warrant
The real-world consequences of having an outstanding warrant on your record
How an Arizona criminal defense attorney can help you quash or clear a warrant
Options like negotiating with the court or prosecutor, voluntary surrender, and possible release conditions such as bail or bond

You’ll also learn the step-by-step process many people follow to clear a warrant in Arizona, including:

1. Confirming the warrant – Checking Arizona court or warrant records to see what’s actually pending against you.
2. Reviewing the details – Understanding the charges, dates, and conditions listed in the warrant.
3. Working with a criminal defense lawyer – Having an attorney contact the court, review your case, and advise you on the safest way to move forward.
4. Addressing the underlying issue – Fixing what caused the warrant, such as missing a court date or failing to pay fines or restitution.
5. Filing a motion to clear or quash the warrant – Your attorney can ask the court to recall the warrant and set a new court date or resolve the case under more favorable terms.

Ignoring a warrant doesn’t make it go away. It usually makes things worse. An outstanding warrant can lead to:

Arrest during a traffic stop or any contact with law enforcement
Increased fines and court costs
Travel restrictions
Problems with background checks, employment, and housing

The good news is that in many situations, working with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney can help you deal with warrants, failures to appear, and bench warrants without being unexpectedly taken into custody. An attorney may be able to appear in court for you in some cases, negotiate with the prosecutor, request that the warrant be quashed, or arrange a controlled surrender with a plan for release conditions.

If you’ve discovered there’s a warrant out for your arrest, or you suspect there might be one, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the more you risk being arrested at home, work, or in front of your family. Instead, get clear about your options and put a legal strategy in place.

Phone and Contact Information:
If you believe you have a warrant, failure to appear, or bench warrant in Arizona, call the Jackson White Criminal Defense team at 480-464-1111 or visit https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/resou... to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

This video is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. To get advice about your specific situation, speak directly with an attorney.


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