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At Bernal Law in San Diego, we guide individuals facing failure to appear warrants, as well as a myriad of other criminal charges, through the complexities of the legal system with a comprehensive defense strategy. Under the leadership of Pedro Bernal, Esq., who brings a decade of prosecutorial experience to our practice, we are uniquely positioned to navigate the intricacies of criminal law from both perspectives. Our practice areas are extensive, encompassing everything from drug crimes to sexual assault.
Our foundation in prosecution, coupled with our commitment to seamless communication with Spanish-speaking clients, enables us to serve as powerful advocates for our clients in San Diego. From handling hit-and-run cases to seeking expungements or defending against federal charges, we promise detailed case preparation, evidence gathering, and strategic legal representation.
What Does Failure to Appear Mean in California?
If you are a defendant in a criminal court case and fail to be present for your scheduled appearance, this is considered a failure to appear (FTA). If you fail to appear, especially willfully, the judge will generally issue a warrant for your arrest.
Sometimes, it may become challenging to make it to the legal proceedings. There are some fair excuses for not appearing in court, such as health or family emergencies, never being notified of the hearing or scheduled appearance, or if your lawyer chose to withdraw from your case. In many cases, the court is willing to understand and will not necessarily file a warrant if you have a genuine reason for not coming in.
However, being notified to appear but not receiving a reminder will likely still result in a failure to appear warrant. Furthermore, an arrest for a traffic crime, such as if you are speeding to appear on time, is also not a sufficient excuse.
What Are the Consequences of a Bench Warrant for FTA in San Diego?
You may face specific penalties and other consequences if you have been issued a bench warrant for failure to appear in court. These consequences may include the following:
- Arrest
- Fines
- Jail time
Depending on the circumstances, an FTA may qualify as either a misdemeanor or a felony. You may also be held in jail until your next scheduled hearing with the intent to ensure you are present in the court when you are needed next.
If you do not appear, there may also be other long-term impacts on different aspects of your life. For example, the charge may appear on background checks, impacting future employment opportunities. There may also be an impact on immigration statuses within the United States.
How Can a Lawyer Help With a Bench Warrant for FTA?
If you receive a bench warrant for failing to appear in court, you don’t have to face the legal matters alone. A lawyer from Bernal Law can support you in many ways, including but not limited to the following:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Helping formulate a plea
- Investigating the prosecutor’s case
- Evaluating potential sentences
- Gathering evidence
- Reviewing search and seizure procedures
- Conducting an independent investigation
- Negotiating with every party
- Preparing your case for court
- Consulting with experts
- Assuring that all documents are filed correctly and promptly
- Communicating with the other parties on your behalf
- Organizing and presenting the evidence
- Accessing research methods and tools only available to legal professionals
- Providing an understanding of the legal system and how to make it work for you
Attorney Pedro Bernal has extensive experience to support you with your case. He served as a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted complex white-collar crimes, fraud cases, and drug trafficking offenses and tried numerous cases to jury verdicts. He also worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego, prosecuting federal crimes. Feel free to contact Bernal Law for support during this difficult time.
Reduce Penalties and Retain Outstanding Representation: Contact Bernal Law Failure to Appear Warrant Lawyers Today
Facing a failure to appear charge and dealing with a warrant in San Diego can be an overwhelming experience. Still, our team at Bernal Law is committed to offering the legal support you need during these challenging times. Our team brings a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, honed from years of experience on both sides of the courtroom. We specialize in addressing FTA and warrant issues, dedicating ourselves to protecting your rights and aiming for the best possible outcomes in every case.
Don’t let an FTA warrant issue weigh you down. Take the first step towards resolving your legal challenges by contacting us for a consultation. You can contact us by calling (619) 736-9092 or completing our contact form. At Bernal Law, we stand ready to support and defend your rights in San Diego, ensuring you have the guidance and representation necessary to navigate the legal process confidently.