Whether the result of a mistake, a miscommunication, or an accident, you could find out that you have an active bench warrant out. As described by the Cornell Legal Information Institute, a bench warrant is a written order from a judge authorizing an arrest. In most cases, bench warrants are issued because a defendant missed a court date or failed to make a payment.
Learning that you have an outstanding bench warrant is stressful, frustrating, and intimidating. At this point, it is best to address the matter promptly. Often, bench warrants can be resolved. Here, our Mankato criminal defense attorneys provide an overview of the steps you should take if you have an outstanding bench warrant in Southern Minnesota.
How to Resolve a Bench Warrant in Southern Minnesota
- Never Ignore a Bench Warrant—It Will Not Go Away On Its Own
Ignoring a bench warrant is one of the biggest mistakes that you could make. This is a problem that will not go away on its own. In Minnesota, bench warrants do not expire. Until the matter is addressed, the bench warrant will remain outstanding. To clear a bench warrant in Minnesota, you need to deal with the underlying matter.
- Know the Potential Consequences of an Outstanding Bench Warrant
When a bench warrant is issued, any police officer can arrest you at any time. Depending on the case, law enforcement may immediately track down the defendant with a bench warrant. However, even if they do nothing, the warrant is still in their system. The next time an officer runs your information—such as at a traffic stop—the warrant will show up. This is why it is so important to deal with a bench warrant right away. The sooner you take action, the less likely you will be taken into custody and the easier it will be to find a solution.
- A Minnesota Defense Attorney Will Help You Craft a Plan
If you have a bench warrant out, an experienced Mankato criminal defense lawyer will review your case and help you take action to address the problem. How exactly you should deal with a bench warrant depends on a wide variety of different factors, including the underlying accusations and your current financial position. Minnesota judges are far more likely to allow you to clear the warrant without being taken into custody if you come forward on your own in an effort to fix the problem. A miss court date or missed payment does not have to be the end of the world. Still, it is a serious matter that must be handled with care.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Mankato Defense Lawyers
At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., our Minnesota criminal defense attorneys are reliable, solutions-driven representatives for our clients. If you have an outstanding bench warrant, we are here to protect your rights and help you resolve the issues. Call us at 507-405-2442 to discuss your case. We are proud to serve clients throughout the entire region, including in Blue Earth County, Nicollet County, and Waseca County.