How to Avoid a Bench Warrant
- 1). Call the court division that issued the original orders. When you call the court explain your situation and that you are unable to comply with the order given. If the person you are speaking to states that they do not have the authority to help you, ask them who can and request to speak with that person. Be sure to get the name of the person you are talking to, and make a note of it, along with the date.
- 2). Offer to do whatever you can. Making an offer to fulfill a portion of your obligation will show the judge you are taking the orders seriously. For example, if you do not have the money to pay a fine, ask if you can work out a payment arrangement. Most judges and courts are reasonable as long as you are making an attempt to comply with orders and judgements.
- 3). Follow through. If the judge or court clerk agrees to make new arrangements, it is very important that you hold up your end of the bargain. If they agree to give you an extension once, but you do not put forth any effort to do what is expected of you, the judge will be more likely to issue a bench warrant the second time around.
