bench warrant

American  

noun

Law.

1. a warrant issued or ordered by a judge or court for the apprehension of an offender.

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bench warrant British  

noun

1. a warrant issued by a judge or court directing that an offender be apprehended

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Etymology

Origin of bench warrant

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

The panel said Monguia abused his authority in some cases — including in September 2023, when a woman voluntarily showed up for a bench warrant with her child.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

In April, Gaddis failed to appear in court for his scheduled trial and a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2025

The force said a bench warrant had been issued for the arrests of Imtiaz Ahmed and Fayaz Ahmed.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

Stefanie Lambert turned herself in Thursday morning after having been arrested in Washington, D.C. earlier this week as a result of a bench warrant issued by a Michigan judge.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2024

Judge Taylor caught her at it one day and threatened her with a bench warrant.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee