How to Clear a Bench Warrant

A judge issues a bench warrant for someone's arrest.

A judge issues a bench warrant, which is an arrest warrant. This type of warrant results when you do not appear for a court hearing or some other legal matter. Make it a priority to clear your bench warrant without delay.

Instructions

1. Check your county's criminal court website to determine why the warrant was issued. Using your first and last name may be enough to access the necessary information.

2. Call the warrant office where it was processed. Request to pay any fines and appear before the judge to clear the warrant immediately. Since most bench warrants are issued due to your failure to attend a court appearance, the judge is ultimately responsible for allowing your warrant to be recalled after all fees are first paid.

3. Attend the court hearing to remove the warrant and be allowed to pay all associated fines and the warrant fee. The hearing will most likely be an informal hearing with you and the judge only. Explain why you were originally unable to comply with the request that caused your bench warrant; however, let the judge know you are immediately prepared to pay all fines in full and would like the bench warrant recalled. Show your remorse and your appreciation for him allowing the recall of the bench warrant.

4. Request a copy of the fee receipt from the clerk responsible for accepting the warrant fees. Also get a signed warrant recall or discharge letter from the judge's office before leaving the court. The judge's secretary will make the request to the warrant division to remove the warrant and provide the warrant recall letter which the judge will sign. Keep the receipt and warrant discharge notice for at least 30 days to avoid arrest due to a late police database update.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay the fees for your warrant before the weekend to avoid getting arrested at the court and having to wait until Monday to see the judge.

• Bench warrant fees may start at $100 and go as high as $1,000 or more, depending on your specific situation.

• Paying the fees on your case will not clear a warrant until a judge has also personally spoken with you and allowed the warrant office to specifically remove the warrant.

References

• Rio Rancho Court: How to Clear a Bench Warrant
• Avvo: How do I clear a bench warrant

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish