How Do I Handle A Bench Warrant For Failure To pay in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, a bench warrant for failure to pay fines and costs is issued by a judge when an individual has failed to pay fines and costs in a criminal case. The bench warrant can also be a part of a civil case. In the civil case its the same failure to pay as ordered by the court judgment. Warrants to pay fines and costs associated with a criminal case never really goes away. Further, in some cases they can even end up in an application to revoke a period of probation.

Helpful Things You Need To Know

1. Court Orders: When a person is convicted or received a deferred sentence for a crime or violation in Oklahoma, the court may impose fines, court costs, restitution, or other financial obligations as part of the sentence or judgment.
2. Payment Deadline: The court typically sets a deadline for the payment of fines and costs. This deadline is specified in the court’s order, and it’s essential to adhere to it.
3. Failure to Pay: If the individual fails to pay the fines and costs by the specified deadline or misses scheduled payments, the court may issue a bench warrant for a failure to pay. This warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them before the court.
4. Arrest and Court Appearance: Once arrested on a bench warrant, the individual will be brought to court. They may be required to explain the reason for their failure to pay, and the judge will decide how to proceed.
5. Options for Resolving the Issue: The judge may consider various options. They include extending the payment deadline, modifying the payment plan, or imposing additional penalties. In some cases, community service or alternative arrangements may be offered to address the unpaid fines and costs.
6. Possible Consequences: Failure to address the bench warrant can lead to further legal consequences. They include additional fines, suspension of driving privileges, or even incarceration.

Application To Revoke In Oklahoma

If you have been charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony you either plead your case or had a jury trial. At its conclusion you were placed on a deferred sentence or a suspended sentence. As part of the plea deal you were given rules and conditions of probation. Among other conditions paying all of your fines and costs had to be paid. Additionally, if you did not get them all paid you are in violation of the probation and the violation is failure to pay. This violation may be what lead to the bench warrant for failure to pay.

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Tulsa Okla. Criminal Defense

An Oklahoma bench warrant for failure to pay fines and costs puts you in a difficult position. It’s crucial to take bench warrants for failure to pay seriously. If you are pulled over for any reason in traffic the Police will take you to jail to enforce the warrant. Although the situation is difficult our Tulsa criminal defense attorney can help you. Call the Oklahoma attorneys at Kania Law Office in Tulsa and get a Free to obligation consultation. Call 918.743.2233 or go to our ask a free legal question page and we will answer.