Bakersfield Warrant Attorney
Take Control Of An Active Or Suspected Warrant
If you believe there is a warrant for your arrest, every knock at the door or passing patrol car can feel like a threat. An active warrant can put your job, your family, and your freedom at risk, often with little warning. You do not have to face this alone or guess about your options.
At Humphrey & Thompson, we focus on criminal defense in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. Our attorneys regularly handle cases where warrants are at the center of the problem, and we understand how these issues move through the local courts. When you reach out, we work to give you clear information and a plan, so you can make decisions instead of living in fear of an unexpected arrest.
You will work directly with seasoned criminal defense attorneys, not be passed from person to person. Our goal is to guide you through this situation with steady advice and strong courtroom representation if your case proceeds that far.
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What To Expect After Arrest -
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Thousands of Successful Cases
What Is a Warrant?
A warrant is a legal order issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to take specific action. In criminal cases, warrants typically allow police to arrest an individual or search property. Warrants are issued when a judge finds probable cause that a law has been violated or when someone fails to comply with a court order.
Common types of warrants in California include:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when someone is suspected of committing a crime or fails to appear in court
- Bench Warrants: Commonly issued for missed court dates, probation violations, or failure to pay fines
- Search Warrants: Allow police to search specific locations for evidence
Many people are unaware that a warrant exists until they are pulled over, stopped by police, or arrested unexpectedly. Our Bakersfield warrant defense lawyer can help determine what type of warrant is active and take steps to address it before matters escalate.
Common Reasons Warrants Are Issued in Bakersfield
Warrants are often issued for reasons that may seem minor at first but can quickly snowball into serious legal problems. Common causes include:
- Missing a court appearance for a traffic ticket or misdemeanor
- Failing to pay court fines or fees
- Violating probation or parole conditions
- Being accused of committing a new crime
- Ignoring a summons or citation
Even a simple oversight can result in a bench warrant. Once issued, law enforcement has the authority to arrest you at home, at work, or during a routine traffic stop.
What Happens If You Are Arrested for an Active Warrant in Kern County?
If you are arrested for an active warrant in Kern County, you may be taken into custody immediately and booked into jail. Depending on the type of warrant and the underlying charge, you could face:
- Jail time until a court hearing is scheduled
- Additional charges or penalties
- Increased bail or denial of bail
- A criminal record that impacts employment and housing
In some cases, individuals arrested on a warrant are held until they can appear before a judge, which may take days. Having a Bakersfield warrant defense attorney involved early can sometimes prevent an arrest altogether or allow you to resolve the warrant through a court appearance arranged by your attorney.
Should You Turn Yourself In for a Warrant?
Turning yourself in without legal guidance can be risky. While some people believe it shows good faith, doing so without a plan may result in immediate incarceration. Our Bakersfield warrant defense lawyer can assess your situation and determine the safest way to handle the warrant—often by arranging a court date or filing paperwork before you ever step into a courtroom.
Warrants and Traffic Offenses in Bakersfield
Traffic-related warrants are extremely common in Bakersfield and Kern County. Missing court for a speeding ticket, DUI, or driving on a suspended license can result in a bench warrant. These warrants often lead to license suspensions, increased fines, and arrest during routine stops. Legal representation can help resolve these issues while minimizing long-term consequences.
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Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
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Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
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Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Warrant FAQs
Here are several frequently asked questions about warrants:
How can I find out if I have a warrant in Bakersfield?
A warrant defense lawyer can discreetly check court records and law enforcement databases to confirm whether a warrant exists.
Can a warrant be cleared without going to jail?
In many cases, yes. An attorney may be able to recall the warrant or arrange a court appearance without arrest.
Will a warrant go away on its own?
No. Warrants do not expire and typically remain active until resolved by the court.
Can my lawyer appear in court for me?
For certain misdemeanor and bench warrant cases, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf.
What happens if I ignore a warrant?
Ignoring a warrant increases the risk of arrest, higher bail, and additional penalties.
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Responsive & Prompt Communication
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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
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- Rena B.
IF you are caught in a bad situation in life and are looking for a Lawyer and investigator to fight, do their job well in fighting to prove your innocence in your case, you need Kyle and Victor on your side!!!
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- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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- Jason G.
Mr Humphrey and his staff we nothing short of amazing to me and my family.
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- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
Why Choose Our Firm
When a warrant is active, you need more than generic advice. You need a criminal defense team that understands how warrants are issued, enforced, and resolved in real California courts. Our attorneys have devoted their careers to criminal law, and our work in this area is not an occasional sideline.
Our firm includes attorneys who are board-certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California. Board certification means the State Bar has recognized that we meet advanced standards in criminal practice. For you, that translates into representation from lawyers who have been tested in complex criminal issues, including those involving warrants tied to serious charges.
Over the course of decades, we have handled more than 5,000 criminal cases. This depth of experience means we have seen many warrant situations, from missed court dates on misdemeanors to warrants connected to high-stakes felony cases. We draw on that background when evaluating how courts here typically respond, what arguments may be persuasive, and where the risks are highest.
We are a boutique criminal defense firm, so your case is not lost in a large-firm system. You can expect to work directly with attorneys like Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Thompson, rather than being pushed to a revolving group of unfamiliar faces. Our team takes communication seriously and strives to respond promptly, often by the next business day or sooner, which is especially important when a warrant is outstanding and time feels critical.
Contact our firm today to get started on your case.
