Orange County Warrants

When someone hears the word "warrant" it leaves a very unsettling feeling as many times this leads to an arrest and criminal conviction. However, there are more than one type of warrant in Orange County California. There are bench warrants and arrest warrants, one will definitely result in someone being arrested, and the other is a request to make a court appearance for non criminal actions. While both of these types should be taken seriously, only one has the potential to land someone in jail or prison. We will go through the different types of Orange County CA warrants, why they are issued, their implications, and how to find out how to look them up online.

How to Check For Orange County Arrest Warrants

An Orange County arrest warrant is issued when a judge or magistrate signs an order to someone's arrest when they strongly suspect they have committed a crime. This is essentially a criminal court order that directs law enforcement to apprehend that person and jail them so they can be arraigned in court. These actions can include arresting a person, searching a property, or seizing assets for evidence. Arrest warrants are very serious matters that often lead to criminal convictions, as there is usually strong evidence that someone has broken the law. You can check for OC warrants by contacting the sheriff department, clerk of the courts, or using public record websites.

What Does an Orange County Bench Warrant Mean?

An Orange County Bench warrant is issued when someone misses a court appearance, a failed court order, or late fines or payments. These are non criminal violations that result in a Judge or Magistrate demanding someone to appear in court. While these do not usually result in an arrest, if there is non-compliance, or if ignored, it can eventually result in somebody being arrested. Often times these can easily be resolved by contacting the Courthouse Clerk and complying with the respective court order.

How to Run an Orange County Warrant Search

While there is more than one way to run an Orange County CA warrant search, some resources are easier and less risky than others. For example, if you have an arrest warrant issued in your name and you contact the OC Sheriff Department to find out, you may be arrested on the spot. There is an anonymous way to search without notifying anyone. This is using a public records site to search for active OC arrest warrants. You can search by name and quickly find out if you, or someone you know, has one. This way you can get in front of the warrant and hire an attorney to help guide you through the process of handling the underlying issue and potentially surrendering yourself to the courts.

Most Common Reasons Warrants Are Issued in Orange County CA

Warrants in Orange County are issued for various reasons, the most common being failure to appear in court which results in a bench warrant. Another common reason is suspicion of criminal activity by evidence or affidavit, which can lead to an arrest warrant.

What to Do If an OC Warrant Is Issued for Your Arrest

1). If a warrant is issued for you in Orange County, don't panic. The first step is to confirm the warrant. You can do this by running an OC warrant search through law enforcement agencies, or third party resources. Next, understand why this was issued and the underlying reasons.

2). Once you've confirmed the warrant, it's advisable contact a lawyer or legal professional. They can guide you on the next steps. Remember, ignoring the warrant won't make it go away.

3). You have several legal options when a warrant is issued. You can turn yourself in, or you can contest the warrant. A legal professional can help you decide the best course of action and help you to understand your rights.

4). Prepare your court petition if you are arrested and awaiting your arraignment or court hearing.

What If I Ignore a Warrant in Orange County CA

Ignoring a warrant can lead to serious consequences including additional fines and jail time. Firstly, you could be arrested at any time. This could happen at home, at work, or during a traffic stop. Secondly, the warrant could affect your background checks and employment. Lastly, ignoring a warrant could lead to increased penalties or charges.

How to Clear an Orange County Warrant

If a warrant is issued in your name, it's very important to address it promptly. The process of clearing a warrant in Orange County involves several steps. You may need to appear in court or pay a fine. Legal assistance can be beneficial in this process. Remember, you have rights even when a warrant is issued against you. Talking to a lawyer can be very helpful in potentially mitigating your legal woes.