While there are numerous types of warrants in Ohio, one of the most common is referred to as a “bench warrant.” It tends to be issued after a person violates court rules. Written by a judge, bench warrants authorize law enforcement to bring you to jail before you appear in court.
If there is a bench warrant issued for you, it can be overwhelming to determine how to proceed. It helps to understand some of the important details about the nature of bench warrants.
What is Life Like After a Bench Warrant is Issued?
If a bench warrant is issued for you, your name will be entered into a statewide database. After that point, if you interact with law enforcement for any reason, regardless of fault, you will be taken into custody.
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How Long do Bench Warrants Last?
Most bench warrants do not expire and remain active for the rest of a person’s life. In rare circumstances, judges decide to expunge or recall warrants. Because these warrants frequently remain active for an extended period of time, it is important to understand that often, the best way to deal with a bench warrant is to appear in court with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can make certain that matters are properly handled.
Has a Bench Warrant Been Issued for You?
If a bench warrant is issued for your arrest, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Respecting law enforcement. Unfortunately, some people do not realize that they even have a warrant out for them until they have an interaction law enforcement. In this situation, you should avoid arguing and instead do whatever law enforcement asks you to. In nearly all situations, arguing with law enforcement will only result in more serious penalties. If you remain cooperative, however, law enforcement will often allow you to contact your attorney, and it is recommended that you do because this helps to make certain that your rights are preserved.
- Obtain the assistance of an experienced attorney. If you learn that there is a warrant out for your arrest, there are some important steps that you can take to avoid facing jail time or more serious penalties. One of the steps involves promptly contacting an experienced criminal defense lawyer for assistance.
- Fully prepare for your hearing. If you decide to dispute any charges against you, it is critical to arrive on time with your attorney, follow court etiquette, and fully prepare for the appointment. If the judge feels that you provide ample evidence about the nature of your crime, there is a possibility that your charge will be dismissed.
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Speak with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
If there is a bench warrant issued for you, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can make certain that you have the strongest legal defense possible. Contact Kruger & Hodges today to schedule an initial free consultation, during which time we will review your various available options to respond to a bench warrant.
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Josh Hodges is a personal injury lawyer and co-founder of Kruger & Hodges. A working-class kid who became an attorney, Josh built his law firm to serve everyday people across every town in Ohio. He has personally handled or directly supervised the successful completion of over 1,000 personal injury cases, from car wrecks and dog bites to wrongful death claims.
He is a sought-after speaker in the legal community, often appearing on podcasts and at conferences where he helps other lawyers run better law firms that make a real impact in their local communities. Josh loves mentoring young lawyers and is known as a creative thinker both in and out of the courtroom. When he’s not fighting insurance companies, you’ll find him with his wife and kids, filming local business spotlights, or walking the neighborhoods where his clients live.
Josh’s early legal career included working for one of the largest law firms in the Midwest, where he gained extensive experience in defending personal injury claims and representing major corporations and government entities—experience rare among local attorneys.
Eventually, Josh returned to his hometown of Hamilton, Ohio, to serve the community he loves. He now practices personal injury law across Southwest Ohio and lives in one of Hamilton’s historic neighborhoods with his wife and children. Known as “The Hometown Lawyer,” Josh not only advocates for his clients but also actively supports and highlights local businesses and leaders through his social media platforms.