Criminal Defense Lawyers

Bench Warrants

Bench Warrants in NJ: What You Need to Know

So, you missed a court date, or violated some condition of your release – and now you’re worried about a bench warrant, right? Well, take a deep breath, because we’re going to walk through this together.First things first, what exactly is a bench warrant? Simply put, it’s an order from a judge for law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the court. Sounds scary, but don’t panic just yet.Judges typically issue bench warrants when defendants fail to show up for a scheduled court appearance, like an arraignment or sentencing hearing. They can also slap you with one if you violate conditions of your bail, probation, or parole.Now, you might be thinking, “But I had a really good reason for missing that date!” Well, that’s something you’ll need to explain to the judge – because once that warrant is issued, it’s out of their hands.

The Dreaded Knock on the Door

So, what happens if the cops come knocking with a bench warrant? Well, they have the authority to arrest you on the spot and take you into custody. No ifs, ands, or buts.Once you’re in custody, you’ll likely be held until you can see the judge who issued the warrant – which could be up to 72 hours. Yikes, right? During that hearing, you’ll need to convince the judge why you shouldn’t be held in jail while your case gets sorted out.And let’s be real, having a bench warrant isn’t going to make the judge too happy with you. They may:

• Increase your bail amount
• Revoke your bail entirely
• Find you in violation of probation
• Impose fines or other penalties

Basically, it’s not a situation you want to be in, trust me.

Avoiding the Arrest

Now, the smarter play is to be proactive and take care of that bench warrant before the cops come calling. The key here is to get in front of a judge and recall (aka cancel) that warrant ASAP.But how? By hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process. A good lawyer can:

• Confirm if a warrant is active and what it’s for
• Advise you on the best way to handle it based on your situation
• Potentially arrange for you to walk into court voluntarily
• Represent you before the judge to explain what happened
• Work to get the warrant recalled without you getting arrested

See, going it alone is risky – you could end up in cuffs if you don’t handle it just right. With a lawyer though, you have someone in your corner who knows the system and can fight for the best possible outcome.

Clearing the Air with the Court

Once you’re before the judge, you’ll need to own up to whatever violation led to the bench warrant being issued. Maybe you genuinely didn’t receive notice of that court date, or maybe you just messed up – either way, be honest.The key is showing the judge that it won’t happen again and that you’re taking this seriously. Judges don’t like when defendants blow off their orders, so you need to demonstrate respect for the court.Your lawyer can help craft the best argument for your situation. Things like:

• Providing documentation of any reasons for missing court
• Explaining what steps you’ve taken to address the violation
• Proposing alternatives to jail time if needed
• Negotiating for reduced fines or penalties

With the right approach and representation, it’s often possible to get that bench warrant recalled and move forward without spending time behind bars.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Avoiding Future Bench Warrants

Of course, the ideal scenario is never getting a bench warrant in the first place. Once you’re in the system, you need to take it seriously and follow all court orders to a T.Some tips to avoid those dreaded warrants:

• Always make note of all court dates and set reminders
• Provide the court with updated contact info if you move
• Fully understand and comply with bail/probation conditions
• Hire an attorney to keep you on track if needed

Because let’s be real, the court system can be a maze – and one wrong turn could land you in hot water again. Having a lawyer who knows the ins and outs can make a huge difference.

When to Hire a Lawyer

Speaking of lawyers, when exactly should you bring one into the mix for a bench warrant? The short answer is: as soon as possible.An experienced criminal defense attorney can step in at any point – before a warrant is issued to keep you compliant, or after the fact to get it recalled. The earlier they’re involved, the better they can protect your rights.Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle this on your own. Bench warrants are no joke, and the consequences of not taking them seriously can be severe. From increased fines and bail to potential jail time, it’s just not worth the risk.So do yourself a favor – if you get hit with a bench warrant, or even think you might, call a lawyer immediately. It could be the difference between walking free and an unwanted trip to jail.

The Spodek Law Group Advantage

Look, I get it – dealing with a bench warrant is stressful and confusing. But here’s the thing, you don’t have to go through it alone. The elite criminal defense team at Spodek Law Group is in your corner, every step of the way.We’re not your typical law firm that puts cases through a cookie-cutter process. Instead, we take a hands-on, personalized approach tailored to your unique situation. We’ll dig into every detail surrounding your case, and develop a customized strategy to get you the best possible outcome.Our attorneys have a well-earned reputation for excellence and relentless advocacy. We never back down from tough cases, and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom.From confirming active warrants to representing you in court, we’ll guide you through this entire process. We pride ourselves on open communication and making sure you understand all your options. No judgment, just solutions.And with our team of former prosecutors and legal professionals, you can rest assured your case will get the attention and expertise it deserves. We quite literally wrote the book on New Jersey criminal law.So if you or a loved one is dealing with a bench warrant in New Jersey, don’t take chances. Call Spodek Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation. Let our family help protect yours.