Bench Warrant Jail Time: How Long Do You Stay In Jail for a Bench Warrant

A bench warrant is a legal directive issued by a judge that authorizes the arrest of an individual who has failed to appear in court as required or has violated certain court orders. This type of warrant is typically issued when someone misses a scheduled court date, disobeys a subpoena, or fails to comply with probation requirements.

When a bench warrant is issued, it signifies a serious matter, as it immediately transforms the individual into a fugitive subject to arrest at any time.

If you have a warrant against you or think you may have one, it’s imperative that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

With offices in Las Vegas and Reno, The Defenders have represented clients facing bench warrants throughout Nevada for many years. Our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the bench warrant process and can help you navigate through it, minimize jail time, and protect your rights.

Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Consequences of a Bench Warrant: Arrest and Jail Time

The primary consequence of a bench warrant is arrest. Once issued, law enforcement officers are authorized to take the individual into custody and bring them before the court.

Depending on the circumstances, an individual arrested on a bench warrant may face additional charges for contempt of court or failure to appear. These charges can result in fines, probation violations, and possible jail time.

But how long do you stay in jail for a bench warrant? The answer depends on several factors that play a role in determining the duration of your incarceration.

Factors Influencing Jail Time When Arrested on a Bench Warrant

How long are you in jail after being arrested on a bench warrant depends on various factors, each significantly impacting the outcome. It’s important to understand that there is no set timeline, as consequences are highly individualized and at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Let’s take a look at some factors that can influence the length of time you may spend in jail for a bench warrant:

The Nature of the Underlying Case

One of the primary determinants of potential jail time is the severity and context of the case that initially prompted the bench warrant’s issuance. If you were a defendant in an ongoing criminal proceeding and failed to appear for a scheduled court date, the likelihood of extended incarceration increases substantially.

In such instances, the judge may opt to keep you in custody until the case reaches its resolution, either through a plea bargain or trial. This measure is implemented to ensure your presence at all subsequent hearings, thereby preventing further disruptions to the legal process.

Compliance with Court Orders and Directives

Another factor that can affect the amount of time in jail is the extent to which you have adhered to court orders and directives. If the bench warrant stems from a violation of probation terms, disregard for a restraining order, or contempt of court, the judge may deem it necessary to detain you until you demonstrate compliance with the prescribed conditions.

In cases of contempt, the potential jail time can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the offense and the judge’s assessment of the situation.

Failure to Appear Charges

Missing scheduled court appearances can lead to additional charges. This is known as “failure to appear” (FTA). This can increase the legal consequences.

The severity of these charges can vary though, with felony-level FTA offenses potentially carrying sentences of several years in prison.

These charges are separate from the original case that required your court appearance. This highlights the seriousness of ignoring legal summons.

Criminal History and Flight Risk Assessment

Judges often consider an individual’s criminal history and perceived flight risk when determining the appropriate course of action following an arrest on a bench warrant. Those with extensive criminal records or a history of evading legal proceedings may face heightened scrutiny and a greater likelihood of being denied bail or held in custody for extended periods.

Conversely, individuals with minimal or no criminal history and strong ties to the community may be viewed as lower flight risks, potentially increasing their chances of securing pretrial release or reduced bail amounts.

Typical Jail Time When Arrested on a Bench Warrant

While the specific duration of incarceration can vary significantly based on the aforementioned factors, there are certain general timeframes that commonly arise in bench warrant cases.

Awaiting Trial

If you were a defendant in an ongoing criminal case and were arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear, you could potentially be held in custody until the completion of your trial. Depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s docket, this period can span several months or longer.

During this time, the judge may opt to revoke any previously granted bail or impose stricter conditions to ensure your attendance at future court proceedings.

Inability to Post Bail

In the event that you are unable to post the required bail amount following your arrest on a bench warrant, you may be detained until your next scheduled court appearance. This interim period can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the court’s calendar and the specific circumstances of your case.

Contempt of Court Charges

If the bench warrant was issued due to contempt of court, such as refusing to testify when subpoenaed or disobeying a direct court order, the potential jail time can vary considerably.

In some jurisdictions, civil contempt charges may carry a maximum sentence of five days in jail, while criminal contempt charges could result in up to six months of incarceration.

Probation Violations

For individuals on probation, a bench warrant may be issued for violating the terms of their probation agreement.

In such cases, the duration of incarceration can vary based on the severity of the violation and the judge’s discretion. It’s not uncommon for probation violators to be held in custody until their next court appearance, at which point the judge will determine the appropriate course of action, including potential revocation of probation or imposition of additional sanctions.

Appearing in Court After Warrant Arrest

Once arrested on a bench warrant, the arresting agency is typically required to present you before a judge within a specific timeframe, often 48 to 72 hours. During this initial court appearance, several crucial events may transpire:

1. Explanation of Absence: The judge will provide you with an opportunity to explain the reasons for your failure to appear or comply with the court’s orders. Depending on the validity and severity of your justification, the judge may exercise leniency or impose more stringent measures.
2. New Court Date Assignment: If the bench warrant was issued in relation to an ongoing case, the judge will likely assign a new court date to resume the legal proceedings.
3. Release Terms Determination: The judge will assess the appropriateness of your release and may modify or impose bail conditions, release on personal recognizance, or order continued detention based on the specific circumstances of your case.
4. Fines and Sanctions: Depending on the nature of your offense and the judge’s discretion, you may be subject to fines, sanctions, or other penalties for your failure to comply with the court’s initial directives.
5. Warrant Recall Process Initiation: The court will initiate the process of recalling or quashing the bench warrant, effectively resolving the outstanding legal issue that prompted its issuance.

It’s crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side during this critical juncture, as they can advocate on your behalf, present mitigating factors, and negotiate favorable release terms or case resolutions.

Proactive Measures: Recalling the Warrant and Minimizing Jail Time

Instead of passively awaiting arrest on a bench warrant, taking proactive measures can significantly improve your chances of minimizing or avoiding jail time. By retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney, you can initiate the process of recalling the warrant and addressing the issues that led to its issuance.

Your attorney can promptly contact the court, prepare a motion to recall the warrant, and advocate on your behalf during the warrant recall hearing.

In some cases, they may even negotiate a withdrawal of the bench warrant without the need for a court appearance or arrange for your voluntary surrender to authorities.

By taking swift and decisive action, you can demonstrate your commitment to resolving the legal matter and increase the likelihood of minimizing or avoiding jail time altogether.

The Invaluable Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney

Navigating the complexities of bench warrants and the potential consequences of incarceration can be an overwhelming and daunting task without the guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. At The Defenders, our team of seasoned legal professionals possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of the legal system and a proven track record of successfully defending our clients’ rights.

If you have an outstanding bench warrant or are facing potential jail time for violating your probation agreement, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our attorneys will provide you with the necessary guidance and support to navigate through the legal process and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact The Defenders today and let us fight for your rights and freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions