Tamarac City Florida bench warrants are active arrest orders issued by a Broward County judge when someone misses a court date or breaks a court rule. Tamarac sits in the northwest corner of Broward County.
The city borders Coral Springs, Lauderhill, Margate, and North Lauderdale. All court cases from Tamarac go through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps all warrant records for the city. Anyone with a Tamarac bench warrant can be arrested at home, work, or during a traffic stop at any time.
How Bench Warrants Work in Tamarac, Florida
A bench warrant is a written order from a judge. The order tells law enforcement to arrest a person and bring them to court. In Tamarac, these warrants come from judges in the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the Tamarac Police Department both serve these warrants.
Bench Warrant Definition in Florida
A bench warrant in Florida is a court order. A judge signs it after someone fails to follow a court order. The most common cause is missing a court date. The warrant gives police the legal power to arrest the person. The person then goes back before the judge who issued the warrant. The warrant stays active until a judge cancels it.
Why Judges Issue Bench Warrants
Judges in Tamarac issue bench warrants for several reasons. The most common reason is a failure to appear. This happens when a person does not show up for a court hearing. Judges also issue them when someone violates probation. A parent who fails to pay child support can also get a bench warrant. Contempt of court is another reason. Even a small traffic case can lead to a warrant if the person misses the hearing.
Common Causes in Tamarac Cases
Most Tamarac bench warrants come from traffic tickets. A person gets a ticket for speeding or running a red light. They forget the court date. The judge signs a bench warrant. Misdemeanor charges also lead to warrants. These include petty theft, simple battery, and DUI. Felony cases lead to warrants too. The warrant can come from the original charge or from a new failure to appear charge.
The Broward County Court System for Tamarac Warrants
All Tamarac bench warrants move through the Broward County court system. The 17th Judicial Circuit covers Broward County. The circuit court handles all felony cases. County court handles misdemeanor and traffic cases. The Broward County Clerk of Court stores all records.
The 17th Judicial Circuit
The 17th Judicial Circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in Florida. It covers all of Broward County. Tamarac falls inside this circuit. The main courthouse sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. There are branch locations across the county. Circuit judges handle felony cases and family law. County judges handle misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and small civil cases. Both types of judges can issue bench warrants.
Role of the Broward Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps all court records for Tamarac. Brenda D. Forman serves as the clerk. Her office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk enters new warrants into the system. The clerk also keeps old warrant records. The clerk provides public access to these records. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.790 covers the issuance of bench warrants. A judge can sign a warrant when a person fails to appear. The rule says the clerk can also prepare a capias to bring the person to court. Florida Statute 901.02 requires probable cause before any warrant is signed. Florida Statute 843.15 makes failure to appear a separate crime. These rules apply to every Tamarac bench warrant.
How to Check for a Bench Warrant in Florida
People can check for bench warrants in Florida using free online tools. The Broward Clerk case search is the main tool for Tamarac cases. The FDLE also runs a statewide search. You can also call local police agencies.
Broward Clerk Online Case Search
The Broward Clerk runs a free online search tool at browardclerk.org. You can search by name, case number, citation number, or business name. The tool requires both first and last name. Results can show up to 200 entries. The tool pulls records from the full 17th Judicial Circuit. This means every Tamarac case appears in the system. Search results show charges, court dates, and warrant status.
FDLE Statewide Warrant Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a warrant search at fdle.state.fl.us. The database covers all 67 counties. Tamarac cases appear in this search. You can search by first name, last name, and date of birth. The system updates every 24 hours. FDLE warns users that the database may not show the most current status. Always confirm with the Broward County Clerk.
Contacting Law Enforcement Directly
You can call the Tamarac Police Department at (954) 720-2225. The station sits at 7501 N. University Drive, Tamarac, FL 33321. Officers can check the warrant database over the phone in some cases. You can also call the Broward County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (954) 764-4357. Neither agency will arrest you just for asking about a warrant by phone.
Florida Bench Warrant vs Arrest Warrant
People often mix up bench warrants and arrest warrants. They are different in Florida law. A bench warrant comes from a judge sitting in court. An arrest warrant comes from a warrant application by police. Both lead to arrest, but the cause is different.
Key Differences Between the Two
A bench warrant happens after a court event goes wrong. A person misses a date or breaks a court order. An arrest warrant happens before charges are filed. Police send a sworn statement to a judge. The judge finds probable cause. The judge signs the arrest warrant. Both types of warrants stay active until cleared.
| Feature | Bench Warrant | Arrest Warrant |
|---|---|---|
| Who signs it | A judge during court | A judge after police request |
| Main cause | Failure to appear or court violation | Probable cause of a crime |
| When it is signed | After a missed hearing | Before or after charges are filed |
| Typical cases | Traffic, misdemeanor, felony | Mostly felony and serious misdemeanor |
| Can be served statewide | Yes | Yes |
| Expiration | No expiration | No expiration |
| How it gets cleared | Quash motion or surrender | Arrest or warrant recall |
Penalties for a Bench Warrant in Florida
Missing a court date in Tamarac brings two sets of penalties. The first set is the original case. The second set is the new failure to appear charge. Both move forward at the same time. Penalties grow worse over time.
Failure to Appear Charges in Florida
Florida Statute 843.15 makes failure to appear a separate crime. The level of charge depends on the original case. A missed felony court date is a third-degree felony. A missed misdemeanor date is a first-degree misdemeanor. The court can add jail time, fines, and probation. The new charge stays on the person’s record even after the warrant is cleared.
Misdemeanor and Felony FTA Warrants
A misdemeanor FTA in Tamarac carries up to one year in jail. A felony FTA carries up to five years in prison. Judges also add fines up to $5,000. Probation can last several years. Some judges add driver license suspension. The clerk can also issue a capias under Florida Rule 3.730. The capias acts like an arrest order.
Other Legal Consequences
Other consequences follow a Tamarac bench warrant. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend the driver license. Border agents can flag the person at airport checks. Background checks show the warrant. Job applications and housing applications can fail. Bond amounts also rise when a warrant sits for months or years.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Tamarac
There are four main ways to clear a Tamarac bench warrant. A lawyer can file a motion to quash. A person can surrender at the jail. A person can bond out after arrest. A judge can recall the warrant in rare cases. Most people hire a lawyer first.
Motion to Quash or Recall Warrant
A motion to quash asks the judge to cancel the warrant. A defense lawyer files this motion in Broward County court. The lawyer explains why the person missed court. The lawyer shows the person is not a flight risk. The judge can cancel the warrant and set a new court date. This option works best for old warrants and minor charges.
Voluntary Surrender Process
A person can walk into the Broward County Jail and turn themselves in. This process is called voluntary surrender. It often goes more smoothly than an arrest at a traffic stop. The jail books the person. A judge reviews the case within 24 hours. The judge can set a new bond or release the person on their own recognizance.
Bond for a Bench Warrant
A person arrested on a Tamarac bench warrant can post bond. Bond is money paid to the court to get out of jail. Bond amounts vary by case. A simple traffic warrant may carry a small bond. A felony FTA may carry a high bond. A bondsman can post bond for a fee. The court keeps the bond money if the person misses the new court date.
Hiring a Florida Warrant Lawyer
A defense lawyer can help clear a Tamarac bench warrant. Lawyers know the local judges and prosecutors. Lawyers file motions to quash. Lawyers arrange voluntary surrender. Lawyers attend the first court hearing for the client. The Florida Bar website lists licensed lawyers. Many Broward County lawyers handle warrant cases for flat fees.
Surrender on a Bench Warrant in Florida
Voluntary surrender is a smart move for many people with a warrant. The jail treats voluntary surrenders differently than street arrests. Booking goes faster. Bond hearings happen sooner. A lawyer should be present for the surrender.
What to Bring to the Jail
Bring a valid photo ID. Bring the case number if you have it. Bring a small amount of cash for the bond. Bring prescription medications in their original bottles. Wear plain clothes without strings or metal. Leave jewelry, belts, and extra items at home. Tell your lawyer the time of surrender so they can meet you there.
Where to Surrender in Broward
The main Broward County Jail sits at 555 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The North Broward Bureau is at 4000 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319. Both locations accept voluntary surrenders. Call (954) 831-5900 before arrival. A lawyer can also arrange a surrender through the court clerk’s office.
Bench Warrant Scams in Florida
Phone scams target people with bench warrants. Scammers call and claim you have a warrant. They demand payment by gift card or wire transfer. No real Florida agency accepts gift cards. Real officers do not call to ask for money. Hang up and call the clerk or sheriff directly. Report scams to the Florida Attorney General.
Local Resources for Tamarac Warrant Help
Several agencies in Tamarac can help with warrant questions. The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps all records. The Tamarac Police Department serves city warrants. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office covers the whole county. The State Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases. Public defender offices help people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Tamarac City Florida bench warrants. These answers cover the most searched questions from people across Broward County. Read each answer for clear facts about warrants, court records, and how to clear them.
Do bench warrants expire in Florida?
No. Bench warrants in Florida do not expire. Once a judge signs a Tamarac bench warrant, it stays active until a judge cancels it. The warrant remains in the FDLE database. The warrant remains in the Broward Clerk system. Search warrants expire after 10 days under Florida Statute 933.05. Bench warrants have no time limit. Even a warrant from 20 years ago is still valid. The only way to clear it is through court action or surrender.
Can I check for a Tamarac warrant for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk offers a free online case search. The FDLE also runs a free statewide warrant search. Both tools work from any phone or computer. You need the full legal name and date of birth. The clerk search shows all cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit. The FDLE search covers all 67 Florida counties. Both tools update daily.
What happens if I ignore a Tamarac bench warrant?
The warrant stays active forever. Police can arrest you at any time. A traffic stop, a job background check, or an airport check can trigger the arrest. The original case and the failure to appear charge both grow worse. Bond amounts rise. New charges can stack up. Driver license suspension can follow. The court can also issue a capias under Florida Rule 3.730.
How much does it cost to clear a bench warrant in Florida?
Court costs vary by case. Filing a motion to quash through a lawyer can cost between $500 and $2,500. A public defender is free for people who qualify. Bond amounts depend on the original charge. A traffic case may need a small bond. A felony case may need a high bond. Always get a written fee quote from any lawyer before signing a contract.
Can a Tamarac warrant be dropped without going to court?
Yes, in some cases. A prosecutor can drop a warrant through a written motion. This happens when the original case is weak. It also happens when the person completes certain conditions. A lawyer can ask the prosecutor for a drop. The judge must still sign an order to recall the warrant. Self-help requests to drop a warrant almost never work.
Will a bench warrant show up on a background check?
Yes. Most background checks include warrant searches. Employers use these checks for job applications. Landlords use them for rental applications. The check pulls data from county clerks and the FDLE. Active warrants show up clearly. Some states share warrant data through the FCIC system. A warrant can stop a job offer or a lease approval.
Can I fly out of Florida with an active bench warrant?
Flying with a bench warrant is risky. TSA does not check active warrants at airport security. However, many airlines check passenger names against warrant lists. A bench warrant can trigger arrest at the gate. International travel is more risky. Border agents can flag the warrant at passport control. The safest step is to clear the warrant before any travel.