bench warrant

noun

, Law.

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

bench warrant

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bench warrant¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

The following month, R.C. was driving in Lakewood with a woman he was seeing when a sheriff’s deputy pulled him over to arrest him on a bench warrant.

From Los Angeles Times

A bench warrant was issued for Smith’s arrest, but he vanished.

From Los Angeles Times

In February 2023, a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he allegedly violated the terms of his release.

From Los Angeles Times

After he failed to appear at a June 12 court hearing related to the Glendora arrest, court records show that a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

From Los Angeles Times

A judge rescheduled her hearing for April 5 and issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear in court for the second time.

From Los Angeles Times