Things to Consider When Faced With a Bench Warrant
There is a chance of immediate arrest.
If you come into contact with law enforcement, they can take you into custody. Exposure to police can come from simply driving your car on the way to work. There is also the chance of a visit to your home. In essence, you can be taken into custody anytime or anywhere law enforcement locates you.
Jail & Bond.
You can be held in jail, potentially without bond or with a much higher cash bond, until you can see a judge. This often means losing time off from work.
Additional Charges.
You may face a new, separate charge for failure to appear (FTA). This will make the original underlying case more severe and potentially increasing penalties.
Financial Penalties.
Fines, fees, and increased bond amounts can be a financial burden for you.
Loss of Stability.
You risk losing your job. You could possibly lose public benefits. It could be disruptive to your family life (e.g., childcare issues).
License Suspension.
In Maryland, the court may notify the MVA. This could lead to a license suspension.
Loss of Credibility.
A failure to appear can make you appear unreliable to courts, employers, and landlords.
Benefits of hiring a bench warrant lawyer:
- Get The Warrant Recalled – A skilled attorney can file paperwork with the court to get the bench warrant quashed. Once it’s recalled, you will not have to worry about being arrested.
Legal Knowledge – You will have a highly trained legal professional. Someone who understands the specifics of a bench warrant. Also, someone who is familiar with the Maryland court system.
Specific Experience – Hire an attorney who has handled other Maryland warrant cases similar to yours. Most lawyers concentrate on only a few areas. For instance, a personal injury lawyer may not understand the criminal law system. A lawyer unfamiliar with this area may not be able to get you a favorable outcome.
A Skilled Negotiator – A good lawyer can negotiate with the State prosecutor. Also, a skilled legal samurai knows how to obtain a favorable outcome. And possibly even have the charges dismissed.