In general, a bench warrant is issued for various reasons, including:
- Failing to appear for a scheduled court hearing or trial
- Violating the terms of probation or parole
- Failing to pay court-ordered fines or restitution
- Violating restraining orders or protective orders
When a bench warrant is issued, law enforcement agencies are authorized to arrest the individual named in the warrant and bring them before the court that issued the warrant. This means that if you have an active bench warrant from Arizona and attempt to visit an inmate in a San Diego County jail, you may be arrested by law enforcement officials in California and extradited to Arizona to face the charges against you.
To avoid arrest and potential legal complications, it is important to address any outstanding bench warrants before attempting to visit an inmate. You can contact the court that issued the warrant or an attorney to discuss your options and resolve the matter.