bench warrants
Court-issued arrest authorizations
Bench warrants are arrest orders issued directly by a judge, typically when someone fails to appear in court or violates court orders.
The "bench" refers to the judge's seat—the warrant comes from the court itself rather than from police or prosecutors.
The judge issued a bench warrant when the defendant skipped his hearing.
Outstanding bench warrants can result in arrest during routine encounters like traffic stops.
- arrestSeize by law
- appearancesOutward visible aspects
- court orderBinding judicial directive
- captureTake into custody
- fugitiveOne fleeing authorities
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- criminal recordscriminal records, arrest records, criminal history, criminal histories, rap sheet
- support enforcementchild support, wage garnishment, income withholding, garnishment, arrears
bench warrantssearch warrants
Court orders permitting property examination
summonses · arrest warrants · subpoenas · no-knock warrants · court orders
bench warrantsgood standing
Favorable status or reputation
compliance · charges dropped · clean record · court appearance · exoneration
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