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San Bernardino County Arrest Warrants

What Does an Arrest Warrant Mean in San Bernardino County?

An arrest warrant in San Bernardino County means a judge has authorized law enforcement to arrest a person based on probable cause or because the person failed to appear in court or violated a court order.
Once a warrant is issued, law enforcement officers may:
  • arrest the person at home,
  • during a traffic stop,
  • at work,
  • or in public.
Depending on the circumstances, the warrant may also affect:
  • bail,
  • future court appearances,
  • driver’s license status,
  • and the ability to clear the case voluntarily.
At The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates, our criminal defense team assists individuals facing misdemeanor and felony warrants throughout Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, and courts throughout San Bernardino County.

Why Would a Judge Issue an Arrest Warrant?

A warrant may be issued for several reasons.

1. Failure to Appear in Court (FTA)

One of the most common reasons is failing to appear for:
  • arraignment,
  • pretrial hearings,
  • probation hearings,
  • sentencing,
  • or other court dates.
If a person misses court, the judge may issue a bench warrant immediately.

2. Criminal Charges Were Filed

A judge may issue an arrest warrant after:
  • police investigations,
  • reports submitted to the District Attorney,
  • or criminal charges being filed.
This often happens in:
  • domestic violence cases,
  • fraud investigations,
  • theft cases,
  • assault allegations,
  • or felony investigations.
In some situations, charges are filed weeks or months after an arrest or investigation.

3. Probation Violations

A warrant may also be issued if someone allegedly violated probation conditions, including:
  • missing probation appointments,
  • failing drug tests,
  • violating restraining orders,
  • picking up new charges,
  • or failing to complete court programs.

What Happens After an Arrest Warrant Is Issued?

Once a warrant becomes active:
  • law enforcement may arrest the individual,
  • the warrant may appear during traffic stops,
  • and the person may be held in custody until seeing a judge.
In some felony cases, bail may be increased or denied.
The warrant may also be entered into statewide law enforcement databases.

What Is the Difference Between a Bench Warrant and Arrest Warrant?

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they can mean different things.
Bench Warrant
Usually issued by a judge because:
  • the person failed to appear,
  • violated probation,
  • or disobeyed a court order.
Arrest Warrant
Typically issued based on:
  • probable cause,
  • police investigations,
  • witness statements,
  • or criminal complaints filed by prosecutors.
Both can result in arrest.

Can You Be Arrested During a Traffic Stop?

Yes.
If law enforcement runs your information and discovers an active warrant:
  • you may be detained,
  • taken into custody,
  • and transported to jail.
Many individuals first learn they have a warrant after:
  • being stopped for traffic violations,
  • applying for jobs,
  • or checking their criminal record.

Which Jail Will Someone Go To in San Bernardino County?

Depending on where the arrest occurs and the charge involved, individuals may be transported to:
  • West Valley Detention Center (Rancho Cucamonga),
  • Central Detention Center (San Bernardino),
  • High Desert Detention Center (Adelanto),
  • or another local holding facility.
The assigned courthouse often depends on:
  • where the alleged offense occurred,
  • the arresting agency,
  • and the level of the offense.

Can a Warrant Be Cleared Without Going to Jail?

Sometimes.
In certain misdemeanor cases, a criminal defense attorney may be able to:
  • request a warrant recall,
  • appear in court,
  • schedule a voluntary surrender,
  • or negotiate new court dates.
However, this depends on:
  • the type of warrant,
  • the criminal history involved,
  • the judge assigned,
  • and whether the case is misdemeanor or felony.
Felony warrants often require personal appearance.

What Is a Ramey Warrant?

A Ramey warrant is a type of arrest warrant issued before formal criminal charges are filed.
Law enforcement may seek a Ramey warrant when they believe:
  • probable cause exists,
  • and immediate arrest is necessary before filing charges.
These warrants commonly arise in:
  • domestic violence investigations,
  • assault cases,
  • firearm allegations,
  • and serious felony investigations.

Can You Check if You Have a Warrant?

Possibly.
Individuals may:
  • contact the courthouse,
  • check with an attorney,
  • review court records,
  • or obtain their California DOJ criminal history.
However, warrant information is not always publicly available online.

Why Speaking With an Attorney Quickly Matters

Waiting on an active warrant can increase risks, including:
  • unexpected arrest,
  • higher bail,
  • probation violations,
  • license issues,
  • and additional criminal charges for failure to appear.
Early intervention may sometimes help reduce the impact of the warrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss court in San Bernardino County?

The judge may issue a bench warrant and place the case on warrant status immediately.

Can I bail out after being arrested on a warrant?

Possibly. Bail depends on:

  • the type of charge,
  • prior criminal history,
  • probation status,
  • and the judge’s orders.

Can a misdemeanor warrant be cleared by an attorney?

In some misdemeanor cases, yes. An attorney may be able to appear on your behalf depending on the court and circumstances.

Do warrants expire in California?

Many warrants remain active until:

  • recalled by the court,
  • resolved,
  • or the individual is arrested.

Can you be arrested at home for a warrant?

Yes. Law enforcement may arrest individuals at home, work, or during traffic stops if an active warrant exists.

Why Clients Throughout San Bernardino County Choose The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates

Not all criminal defense firms approach warrant cases the same way.

At The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates, our office focuses exclusively on criminal defense matters and has represented individuals throughout San Bernardino County for over 25 years.

What may set our office apart includes:

  • Experience handling both misdemeanor and felony warrant matters
  • Representation in courts throughout San Bernardino County
  • Strategic early intervention before situations escalate
  • Familiarity with local court procedures and warrant calendars
  • Assistance with warrant recalls, arraignments, and post-arrest proceedings
  • Direct communication regarding possible next steps and court expectations

Our office understands that many people facing warrants are:

  • scared of being arrested,
  • worried about missing work,
  • concerned about custody status,
  • or unsure what happens next.

In some situations, addressing a warrant early may help reduce complications later in the case.

Whether someone is dealing with:

  • a missed court date,
  • a probation violation,
  • a misdemeanor warrant,
  • or a felony warrant investigation,

speaking with a criminal defense attorney early can make a significant difference in understanding the legal process and available options.

Speak With The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates

If you believe you may have an active warrant in San Bernardino County, speaking with our office may help you better understand:

  • the type of warrant involved,
  • possible next steps,
  • whether the warrant may be recalled,
  • and what options may be available in your case.

Give The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates a call to discuss your situation and schedule a consultation.