Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Difference between a bench warrant & an order?

What is the difference between a Bench warrant and a District court judge(from another state) writing an order for an arrest? My friend did not appear in court down in Texas, and two days later the U.S. Marshalls arrested him, not showing an arrest warrant or anything. Later they produced a order from a District court judge down in Texas.


Asked on 4/22/02, 7:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Difference between a bench warrant & an order?

The procedures are different between state and federal courts. In federal court where your friend's problems are pending the judge issues an Order for Arrest when one fails to show up when required to do so. Since he was on conditions of release an arrest warrant is not required, nor anything more than the Order to which you refer. In this instance correct procedures under federal procedure were followed.

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Answered on 4/23/02, 1:34 pm


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