Arrest Warrant Los Angeles, Criminal Defense Attorneys
Defend your rights with experts in criminal defense in Los Angeles
In the state of California, an arrest warrant is a legal document that allows police officers or any other agency to arrest and detain a person if they are suspected of having committed a crime outside the presence of an officer. These warrants are not issued automatically; they must be issued by a judge who authorizes and signs them based on the evidence and testimony provided by authorities.
If you suspect that you have an arrest warrant, whether due to a pending case, a possible crime, or unresolved legal matters with the court, or if a family member is facing this situation, at Progresso Legal Group, we have served families for more than 25 years throughout Southern California and Los Angeles County. We can help you verify your situation, analyze your case, and create a plan of action to resolve the problem once and for all. Our team will work to protect your legal status and, in some cases, we can manage the removal of the warrant without you having to appear in court by granting authorization to a criminal defense attorney.
Requirements of an Arrest Warrant in Los Angeles, California
- The name of the accused.
- The crime for which they are accused.
- The date and time of issuance.
- The city or county where it was issued.
- The bail amount (if applicable).
- The signature and title of the judge.
- The name of the court issuing the warrant.
Common reasons a judge may issue an Arrest Warrant in Los Angeles, California
Arrest warrants in California may be issued for various reasons, ranging from minor offenses to more serious cases. Below, we explain the most common reasons, the applicable laws, and how Progresso Legal Group, with more than 25 years helping families in Southern California, can help you resolve your legal situation.
Failure to Appear in Court (Bench Warrant – Penal Code 978.5 PC)
One of the most common reasons an arrest warrant is issued is failing to appear in court on the scheduled date. This may occur if a person does not attend a mandatory criminal hearing or fails to comply with court requirements such as rehabilitation programs or community service.
Example:
- Failing to attend a hearing for a traffic violation, such as speeding, which may also result in a charge for driving without a license under Vehicle Code 12500(a) VC.
- Missing a hearing for a domestic violence case (Penal Code 273.5 PC), which may result in an immediate arrest warrant.
- Failing to appear in court after receiving a mandatory citation in a criminal or civil case.
Consequences:
- You may be arrested at any time, even during a traffic stop.
- Your case becomes more complicated and more severe penalties may be imposed.
- You may lose the opportunity to negotiate bail or probation.
Solution for Arrest Warrants in Los Angeles at Progresso Legal Group:
In many cases, we can file a motion to cancel the warrant without you having to appear in court, depending on the reason for the absence.
Unpaid Traffic Fines or Serious Traffic Violations (Vehicle Code 40508 VC)
California law establishes that failing to pay a traffic fine or ignoring an order related to your driver’s license may lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Example:
- Accumulating multiple unpaid traffic tickets, which may result in suspension of your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Driving with a suspended license under Vehicle Code 14601(a)2 VC.
- Failing to appear in court after receiving a ticket for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI – Vehicle Code 23152 VC).
Consequences of Arrest Warrants:
- Your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked.
- You may be arrested during a traffic stop.
- Your vehicle may be impounded.
- Increased fines and penalties against you.
We can help you negotiate payments, request cancellation of the warrant, and in some cases replace the penalty with community service or other programs instead of jail.
Failure to Pay Child Support (Child Support Warrant – Family Code 17520 FC)
If a person fails to comply with court-ordered child support payments, a judge may issue an arrest warrant. Additionally, the judge may order suspension of your driver’s license and notify law enforcement agencies for your detention.
Example:
- Parents who have stopped paying child support for months or years.
- Individuals who have ignored court citations related to child support.
- Failure to comply with a court-established payment agreement.
Consequences:
- Wage garnishment or bank account levies.
- Suspension of driver’s license or passport.
- Possible arrest until a partial payment is made.
We can negotiate a payment plan with the court to avoid arrest and help you recover your driver’s license.
Search Warrants for Criminal Evidence (Penal Code 1524 PC)
Search warrants allow police to enter a property to search for evidence of a crime. These warrants must be approved by a judge and supported by evidence justifying the need for the search.
Example:
- Narcotics investigations if a residence is suspected of being used to sell or store drugs.
- Search for illegal weapons on a property.
- Investigations for fraud, scams, or financial crimes.
What you should know:
Police cannot search your home without a valid warrant unless you consent or there are exigent circumstances. You have the right to consult with an attorney before allowing a search. If the warrant was obtained illegally, in some cases we can request that the evidence obtained be excluded from the case.
If your property was searched, we can analyze whether the warrant was valid and file a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Pending Criminal Charges (Arrest Warrant – PC 813–829)
When there is sufficient evidence that a person committed a crime, police may request an arrest warrant. This means you may be detained at any time and brought before the court.
Example:
- Theft or larceny (Penal Code 484 PC): If there are videos or witnesses identifying you as a suspect.
- Domestic violence (Penal Code 273.5 PC): If a person is accused of assault against a partner or family member.
- Financial fraud: If there is evidence of document forgery or deception to obtain money.
Consequences:
- Arrest at any time and place.
- Higher bail or denial of release on own recognizance.
- Possible jail time if the case is not resolved quickly.
Solution for arrest warrants at Progresso Legal Group:
In some cases, we can negotiate for the accused to voluntarily surrender in court, which may result in lower bail or probation instead of jail.
How can we help you at Progresso Legal Group?
If you or a family member has an arrest warrant, do not wait until you are detained. At Progresso Legal Group, with more than 25 years of experience in Southern California, we have helped many people resolve their warrants without being arrested.
We can investigate whether you have an active warrant and explain your options. In some cases, we can clear the warrant without you having to go to court. If appearing is necessary, we help negotiate reduced bail or cancellation of the warrant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arrest Warrants in Los Angeles, California
How can I find out if I have an arrest warrant in Los Angeles?
If you suspect you have an arrest warrant, you can verify it in several ways:
- Check the Los Angeles Superior Court database.
- Review the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) system.
- Request your criminal record from the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
- Contact a criminal defense attorney to investigate your legal status without exposing yourself to arrest.
Important: Going to a police station without legal advice may result in your immediate arrest.
What are the most common reasons an arrest warrant is issued?
The most common reasons include:
- Failure to appear in court (Bench Warrant – Penal Code 978.5 PC).
- Failure to pay traffic fines (Vehicle Code 40508 VC).
- Failure to pay child support (Family Code 17520 FC).
- Having pending criminal charges (Penal Code 813–829 PC).
Can an arrest warrant affect my job?
Yes. Many employers conduct background checks, and an active warrant can:
- Prevent you from getting a job.
- Cause termination if you already have a job.
- Damage your professional reputation.
Can an arrest warrant affect my immigration status?
Yes. If you are undocumented or in an immigration process, an arrest warrant can:
- Lead to detention by ICE.
- Affect your residency or citizenship process.
- Result in deportation if you have serious criminal records.
Can I be arrested at my home or workplace?
Yes. The police can arrest you anywhere if they have a warrant against you.
Exception: They cannot enter your home without a search warrant unless you allow them to enter.
How can an arrest warrant be canceled or cleared?
It can be canceled in several ways:
- Filing a Motion to Recall the Warrant.
- Negotiating with the prosecutor or the court to reduce charges or bail.
- Voluntarily surrendering with the help of an attorney.
Do arrest warrants expire?
No. Arrest warrants in California never expire.
What happens if I ignore an arrest warrant?
This is unavoidable and can happen at any time
- You may be arrested at any time.
- Your case will become more complicated.
- You may face higher fines and possible jail time.
Can I travel outside of California if I have an arrest warrant?
If you have a federal warrant, you can be arrested anywhere in the country or abroad.
- Misdemeanor warrants: You may be able to travel, but if stopped, you could be arrested.
- Felony warrants: You may be arrested and extradited back to California.
How long does it take for police to execute an arrest warrant?
The police department can execute an arrest warrant at any time, but there is usually a period of approximately 48 to 72 hours after a judge signs it.
- Felony warrants: Can be executed at any time.
- Misdemeanor warrants: Can only be executed between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., unless the judge indicates otherwise.
Can I be arrested during a traffic stop?
Yes. If an officer checks your name and finds an arrest warrant, they can arrest you on the spot.
What should I do if the arrest warrant is a mistake?
If you believe the warrant was issued in error, an attorney can:
- Investigate your legal history and determine if there was an error.
- File a motion to void the warrant if it was not justified.
- Represent you in court to resolve the issue without arrest.
Can I obtain bail if I have an arrest warrant?
The answer is usually yes, but in certain serious cases, depending on the circumstances, bail may be denied if the defendant poses a flight risk or depending on the offense.
- Misdemeanors: You can obtain bail easily.
- Felonies: It may be more difficult or denied in certain cases.
At Progresso Legal Group, we can help you negotiate reduced bail or even your release without payment.
What happens after being arrested?
The police will take you to the station for booking.
- You will be allowed to make a phone call.
- You will appear before a judge within 48 to 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
- It is vital to have an attorney during this process to protect your rights.
Why choose Progresso Legal Group to handle your arrest warrant?
At Progresso Legal Group, we have more than 25 years of experience defending families in Los Angeles and Southern California.
- We investigate whether you have an active arrest warrant without exposing you to risk.
- We negotiate with the court and the prosecutor to reduce or eliminate the warrant.
- We seek alternatives such as community service or rehabilitation programs instead of jail.
- We protect your freedom and your future, ensuring your legal situation does not affect your job or your family.
How can a warrant or bench warrant be cleared?
To remove an arrest warrant, you generally must appear before a judge and request that the warrant be withdrawn, but this does not mean the pending case is over or that the person is cleared of the formal charges filed against them. In some cases, we can represent you and remove the warrant without your presence with a 977 motion, which in many cases can be made orally and in certain cases must be submitted in writing, where the defendant authorizes a criminal attorney to remove the pending case, but in others it will be necessary for you to be present.
If it is a minor case, we can file a motion asking the judge to cancel the warrant without the need for arrest.
Example: Luis forgot to go to court for a traffic ticket. His warrant is minor, and we can ask the judge to lift it without Luis being arrested.
If it is a more serious case, the judge may require you to appear in court or pay bail before canceling the warrant.
Example: Ana has a warrant for a more serious offense. In her case, she will need to appear in court, and the judge may impose bail.
What happens if there is bail and you cannot pay it?
If the judge says that bail must be paid to lift the warrant and the amount is very high, we can file a motion to reduce the bail. Below we explain how bail reduction works.
When bail is too high, we can ask the judge to lower it by arguing that:
- You are not a danger to the community.
- You have no criminal record or have complied with the court in the past.
- You have family, employment, and a fixed residence, which means you will not attempt to flee.
- You cannot pay the imposed amount without severely affecting your family.
Example: Pedro was arrested for a minor charge, but the judge set bail at $50,000. His family cannot afford that amount. We can file a request to reduce bail and explain to the judge that Pedro has stable employment, family in Los Angeles, and does not pose a flight risk. If the judge agrees, bail could be reduced to $5,000 or even less. Important: In some cases, we can negotiate with the court for you to pay bail before appearing, avoiding jail while the case is resolved.
What comes next after lifting the warrant and paying bail?
Once the arrest warrant has been removed and, if necessary, bail has been paid, it is very important to comply with all court orders to avoid another warrant being issued against you.
You must ensure that you:
- Attend all court hearings.
- Complete any program or community service ordered by the judge.
- Pay fines or comply with probation terms if applicable.
Example: Marcos managed to lift his arrest warrant and reduce his bail. But if he does not appear at his next court hearing, the judge will issue a new warrant against him.
Why choose Progresso Legal Group?
At Progresso Legal Group, we understand how stressful it can be to have an arrest warrant. Our team has experience in warrant recall and bail reduction cases in the city and county of Los Angeles.
- We investigate whether you have an active warrant.
- We file the necessary motions to lift the warrant.
- We negotiate bail reduction if possible.
- We guide you step by step to resolve your legal situation.
If you or a loved one has an outstanding arrest warrant, do not wait to be arrested. Call us today to review your case and help you make the best decision.