In California, warrants never expire.
Police can arrest you during traffic stops, at home, at work or anywhere they encounter you. Los Angeles Superior Court can issue warrants missed court dates, unpaid fines, probation violations, or new criminal charges.
If you have an active warrant, you must take immediate legal action to avoid arrest, license suspension, and additional criminal charges. Call the Helfend Law Group at 800-834-6434 for immediate help.
Warrant types and legal authority
Bench warrants
Bench warrants authorize your arrest for violating court orders — missing arraignment, trial, or sentencing; failing to pay fines; or violating probation.
Judges issue these directly under California PC § 978.5, and They’re valid in every California county.
Arrest warrants
Arrest warrants authorize police to detain you based on probable cause under PC §§ 813-829. Both types remain active indefinitely until a court recalls them.
Willful failure to appear on a warrant after being released on your own recognizance is a crime.
Misdemeanor charges carry six months jail and $1,000 fines. Felony charges impose 16 months to three years imprisonment and $5,000 fines. PC § 1320.5 increases felony penalties to $10,000 when you’re released on bail. Each missed appearance creates separate criminal charges on top of your original offense.
What happens if you have an outstanding warrant?
Warrants authorize the police to arrest you anytime, anywhere. Police routinely conduct these arrests at homes and workplaces, which can be particularly embarrassing.
Your warrant will also come up on background checks. It will be revealed to employers, landlords, and licensing agencies, putting you at risk of suspension or revocation of your license. Security clearances disappear. Immigration consequences include detention at customs and deportation proceedings for non-citizens.
Multiple warrants multiply penalties exponentially. You also face original bail forfeitures, collection actions, wage garnishments, and tax refund seizures.
Filing a motion to quash or recall
Your attorney can clear a warrant for you by filing a motion to quash or recall. They file a written motion asking Los Angeles Superior Court to recall your warrant and prevent arrest. Courts typically schedule hearings within seven days.
- For misdemeanor warrants, attorneys appear without you and you avoid arrest entirely.
- For felony warrants, you must appear personally with your attorney.
Judges grant these motions when you show valid excuses (lack of notice, medical emergencies, unavoidable circumstances) combined with community ties, stable employment, and no flight risk. Successful motions erase warrants from California’s statewide database immediately.
Courts may impose conditions: supervised release, treatment programs, or increased check-ins.
Los Angeles County procedures and resources
LA Superior Court operates 36 courthouses handling criminal matters. The Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (210 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012) processes felony and misdemeanor warrants. Call (213) 893-0751 for felony matters or (213) 974-1568 for misdemeanors.
You can verify warrants online at lacourt.org without risking arrest — searches cost approximately $5 per name.
LA County Sheriff’s Records Bureau (12440 East Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650) conducts warrant checks by appointment only at (562) 345-4441.
Very important warning: Walking into any law enforcement agency risks immediate arrest if warrants exist. Let your attorney conduct all warrant verification to keep you safe.
LA County Public Defender (213) 974-2811 represents defendants who can’t afford private counsel.
The Community Outreach Court program brings judges to underserved communities, connecting people with warrant resolution services alongside housing and employment help. LA County Library expungement clinics team up with public defenders at multiple branches—check lacountylibrary.org/clean-your-record for schedules.
If you can’t clear the warrant, you can voluntarily surrender
Surrendering with your attorney prevents worst-case scenarios. Your lawyer contacts prosecutors beforehand, negotiates bail amounts, schedules specific court dates, and arranges bondsmen to post bail immediately. This strategy prevents home or workplace arrests and shows the court you’re cooperating.
The California Constitution forbids jailing people solely because they can’t afford bail. Los Angeles County grants own recognizance release for most non-violent offenses. Warrants specify bail amounts following county schedules, but attorneys argue for reductions based on your voluntary appearance, employment, community ties, and finances.
Bail bondsmen charge non-refundable 10% fees to post bonds. Cash bail posted directly returns when your case ends, minus administrative fees.
What to do now
Never turn yourself in without an attorney. Contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney for help. They can verify your warrant at no risk to you, formulate a clearance strategy, file quashing motions, coordinate voluntary surrender with bail arrangements, and protect your constitutional rights.
Next, complete all court obligations after clearing warrants. Appear at every court date, pay fines on time, finish programs, report to probation. One additional failure triggers harsher penalties, higher bail, and judges who won’t believe future excuses.
You need immediate professional help to clear warrants. Attorney Robert M. Helfend understands California’s complex warrant procedures, protecting you from arrest while resolving underlying charges efficiently. Call today – 800-834-6434.
Published October 7, 2025.