What are the steps to clear a bench warrant for my arrest due to a missed court date in California?

To clear a bench warrant for a missed court date in California, you must formally appear before the judge to have the warrant "recalled" or canceled. You can do this by scheduling a court date yourself, having an attorney schedule one for you, or by turning yourself in at the courthouse. Here are the steps to clear a bench warrant: Step 1: Confirm the Warrant and Get Your Case Information Contact the criminal clerk's office at the superior court in the county where you missed your court date. You can usually do this by phone or by visiting the court's website. Ask for your case number, the charges, the date the warrant was issued, and the bail amount, if any. Having this information is critical for the next steps. Step 2: Decide How to Appear in Court You have two primary options. You can either voluntarily appear at the court (a "walk-in surrender") or hire an attorney to file a motion to recall the warrant. For most misdemeanor cases, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf so you do not have to go. For felony cases, you must appear in person. Step 3: Schedule Your Court Date If you handle it yourself, go to the criminal clerk's office and ask to be added to the court's calendar to see a judge about your warrant. If you hire an attorney, they will file the necessary paperwork and schedule the hearing for you. Acting quickly shows the court you are taking the matter seriously. Step 4: Prepare for Your Court Hearing Gather any documents that may explain why you missed your original court date, such as a doctor's note, car repair receipt, or other proof of an emergency. Be prepared to explain your absence to the judge respectfully. The judge will decide whether to recall the warrant and may either release you on your own recognizance or require you to post bail. Important details and nuances: A bench warrant does not expire and remains active until you resolve it. This means you can be arrested at any time, such as during a traffic stop. Resolving the warrant is only the first step; you must still deal with the original underlying criminal charge. Warnings and limitations: Do not ignore a bench warrant, as it will only lead to more serious consequences, including potential arrest and new charges for failure to appear under Penal Code Section 1320. The specific procedures for recalling a warrant can vary slightly between different California counties. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations or felony warrants, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified California criminal defense attorney.