A bench warrant is a legal order that is issued by a judge, and it is often issued because the individual in question failed to appear in court or comply with an order issued by the court. Having a bench warrant issued against you in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as well as in any other jurisdiction, can be an extremely stressful and potentially life-disrupting scenario.
We are going to provide an in-depth tutorial on how to have bench warrants lifted in Allegheny County in this blog article so that you can reclaim control of your legal situation and get your life back on track.
Familiarize yourself with the Bench Warrant
The first thing you need to do is get a good grasp on what the bench warrant actually is: Did you miss a Preliminary Hearing for a DUI, Theft Offense, Drug Offense or Simple Assault?
Find out the reason why it was issued, such as missing a court date, failing to pay fines, or not complying with court instructions, and then deal with the situation accordingly. You will be able to address the issue more successfully with the help of these details.
Have a discussion with an attorney
When dealing with bench warrants, seeking the advice of legal counsel is frequently the most prudent course of action. An competent attorney can evaluate your case, offer counsel, and represent your interests in court if you retain their services.
Collect All of the Necessary Documents
Gather all of the documents that are pertinent to the situation, such as court notices, case numbers, and any evidence that will support your argument or explain why the warrant was issued.
Contact the Clerk of Courts/Pre-Trial Services
Make contact with the office of the Clerk of Courts and Pre-Trial Services in Allegheny County. They are able to give you information on the particular procedures that you need to do in order to address the bench warrant. It is possible that you will be required to appear in Court or schedule a hearing.
Make arrangements for bail or a bond
When you appear in court, you may be required to post bail or a bond in order to be released from detention until the conclusion of the case. The particular sum will be determined based on the specifics of your case as well as the discretion of the judge.
Make Sure You Show Up to Your Court Date
If you do not show up in Court for the hearing that has been scheduled, the issue will only become more serious. You are required to appear in court on the date specified, and you should be well prepared to discuss your situation with the magistrate.
Share Information Regarding Your Predicament:
You are required to explain to the judge any circumstances under which you were unable to appear in court at an earlier date or failed to comply with directions issued by the court. You should get ready to present supporting evidence in the form of documents or witnesses.
Obey all orders issued by the Court
It is essential to the process of clearing the bench warrant that the court's orders be followed. Make sure that you comply in a timely manner with the precise instructions that the judge issues, such as completing community service or paying penalties.
Look for Different Ways to Solve the Problem
Your Attorney may be able to negotiate alternate settlements with the Court, depending on the specifics of the case. These may include a reduction in fines, a modification of the terms of probation, or the resolution of any underlying issues that contributed to the warrant.
A Further Note
After you have dealt with the bench warrant, continue to keep yourself updated with your case through your Attorney. Make sure that any steps required by the Court are carried out, and check your legal standing on a frequent basis for any new developments.
Conclusion
The procedure of dealing with a bench warrant in Allegheny County might be a complicated one, but it is absolutely necessary to address the matter as quickly and properly as possible. The most important things you can do to resolve the warrant and get your legal matters back on track are to consult with an attorney, obey the court's directions, and keep an open line of communication with the judge who issued the warrant.
Keep in mind that the court system is intended to address and solve legal issues, and if you approach the situation appropriately, you will be able to get the bench warrant lifted and move on with the rest of your life.
About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.