Salt Lake Criminal Defense - How to Clear a Bench Warrant

If you have an active bench warrant or outstanding arrest warrant, you are at risk of being arrested and taken to jail at any time. In Utah, there are several possible ways to handle your warrant. Going through a bail bonds company is not your only option. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephen Howard may be able to save you thousands of dollars.

One option for dealing with a warrant is to go through a bail bondsman. The advantage to this option is that it is relatively swift and sure. You contact the bondsman and pay a fee (typically 10% of the bail amount), and the bondsman posts a bond for you. The disadvantage is that the fee you have paid is non-refundable. For example, if you have a $25,000 warrant, you will have to pay a non-refundable fee of $2,500 to a bondsman. You may also be required to put up some other collateral, such as allowing the bondsman to put a lien against your home.

But there are other options for dealing with your warrant. Salt Lake County Pre-Trial Services can supervise people while their criminal cases are pending, without requiring the posting of a bond. A judge may also be willing to recall your warrant if the court is convinced that you will voluntarily appear for your court hearings. A demonstration that you have strong ties to the community, a stable residence, and steady employment can help convince the judge that you are not a flight risk. On less serious charges, a judge may also allow you to simply sign a promise to appear.

Before deciding how to handle your outstanding Salt Lake County bench warrant, you should talk to an experienced Salt Lake criminal lawyer. Stephen Howard has handled more serious felony charges than most attorneys will see in an entire career. His record of results for clients includes not guilty verdicts or dismissals on cases including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, fraud, theft, drug distribution, DUI, and many more.

Contact us now to see what an experienced criminal lawyer can do for you.