Bench Warrant
A warrant issued directly by a judge, typically for failure to appear in court or contempt, ordering law enforcement to bring the named person before the court.
Encyclopedia entry: Bench Warrant
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bench warrant
A bench warrant is a process or a legal document issued by the court itself or from the “bench ” for the detainment or arrest of a person in a criminal or civil court proceeding , either in a case of contempt , especially when the criminal defendant is on bail or a witness under subpoena does not appear for trial, or where an indictment has been filed against the defendant.
[Last reviewed in January of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team
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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.