Reason

• A bench warrant occurs when an individual has failed to appear before the court at a specific time and date. The reasons behind the appearance can range from a traffic citation to a criminal matter to a subpoena.
  
  

Criminal

• A bench warrant is issued by a judge. Once the bench warrant has been served for an indictment, criminal proceedings begin.
  
  

Contempt

• Contempt of court can also result in a bench warrant and can be served immediately while an individual is in court. Warrant arrests resulting from a contempt of court charge can hold the individual without bail until the individual is seen by a judge.
  
  

Subpoena

• A subpoena is issued to a witness in order for an individual to appear at a specific hearing. Failure to appear as a witness can also result in a bench warrant being issued. The warrant then compels an individual to appear and give testimony.
  
  

Recall

• An individual may obtain an attorney to represent them before a bench warrant is served. Often an attorney can persuade a judge to withdraw the warrant, allowing the individual to appear before the court of his own free will.