The most common type of warrant issued in Arkansas is the bench warrant. Unlike arrest warrants issued after a criminal investigation, bench warrants are typically issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court or violates a court order.

At Ludwig Law Firm, we help clients resolve bench warrants before they result in an unexpected arrest—and we often succeed in avoiding jail altogether if you act quickly.

As always - if you have a legal question you want answered in a future blog, submit it via the form on this page. Now, let's dive in!

What Is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant is issued by a judge when you’ve already been charged or involved in a case, and then fail to meet a court requirement, such as:

• Missing a court date

• Failing to pay court fines

• Skipping probation check-ins

• Violating bail conditions

It’s called a "bench" warrant because the order comes directly from the judge’s bench—not a police officer or prosecutor.

Why Are Bench Warrants So Common?

Bench warrants are so common in Arkansas because people often don’t realize they missed a court date, or they assume minor charges don’t require a formal appearance.

Other common reasons include:

• Changing addresses and missing mail from the court

• Being released from jail without understanding future obligations

• Believing the case was resolved when it wasn’t

Unfortunately, even a small mistake like missing traffic court can result in a bench warrant—and once it’s issued, law enforcement can arrest you at any time.

How Do I Know If I Have a Warrant?

You can:

• Search Arkansas CourtConnect online

• Contact the district or circuit court clerk in your county

• Have a criminal defense attorney check discreetly on your behalf

We recommend letting us handle it. That way, you don’t risk triggering an arrest by calling law enforcement directly.

Can You Clear a Bench Warrant Without Going to Jail?

Yes—in many cases. Our attorneys can file a motion to quash or motion to recall the warrant, especially if it was issued for:

• Failure to appear

• Missing a fine deadline

• Non-violent or traffic-related issues

We explain your circumstances, show you’re not a flight risk, and often get the warrant removed without an arrest.

Other Common Warrants in Arkansas

Have a Warrant Hanging Over You? Let’s Fix That.

Call 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com. We’ll verify the warrant and help resolve it—before it leads to jail.

📞 Call Ludwig Law Firm today at 501-838-4043
🌐 Visit us at ludwiglawfirm.com
📍 Proudly serving clients across Arkansas

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this blog or interacting with Ludwig Law Firm through this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal case is different, and you should not act or rely on any information in this blog without first consulting with a licensed attorney about your specific situation. For legal guidance tailored to your needs, please contact Ludwig Law Firm directly.

Bench warrants top the list because they don’t require new criminal activity—just a missed obligation in an existing case.

Why It’s Critical to Address Warrants Immediately

The longer a warrant sits, the more serious it becomes:

• You may lose your job if arrested during work hours

• You could be denied bond on your next case

• It can affect child custody and immigration status

At Ludwig Law Firm, we resolve warrants quickly and quietly—often without you having to walk into a courtroom.

When a case calls for a more aggressive defense, we partner with firms like Warden Law Firm. When a client needs both finesse and firepower, a Ludwig and Warden partnership is the best option.