A bench warrant in Hollywood, Florida is a court order to arrest someone who missed a court date or broke a court rule. These warrants stay active until the person appears in court or a judge cancels them.
Hollywood sits in Broward County with about 159,000 people. All Hollywood cases go through the 17th Judicial Circuit court system. This page explains how Hollywood bench warrants work, where to search for them, what happens when one is active, and how to clear one quickly.
What a Bench Warrant Means in Hollywood
A bench warrant gives police the power to arrest a person and bring them to court. In Hollywood, judges in the Broward County court system issue these warrants. The word “bench” comes from the judge’s bench where the order is signed. Once active, any law officer in Florida can arrest the person named in the warrant at any time. The warrant stays in the system until it is cleared.
How a Hollywood Judge Issues a Bench Warrant
A judge signs a bench warrant after a person fails to appear in court. The judge reviews the court file and confirms the person was told to be there. The clerk then enters the warrant into the statewide system. Once entered, the warrant shows up on any name check by police. There is no waiting period. The warrant is active the moment the judge signs it.
Bench Warrant vs. Capias vs. Arrest Warrant in Florida
Hollywood courts use three main warrant types. A bench warrant comes from a missed court date. A capias is often issued for new criminal charges or to bring a defendant into custody after an indictment. An arrest warrant is signed when police show probable cause that a person committed a crime. Each type works differently but all allow police to take a person into custody.
Common Reasons Hollywood Courts Issue Bench Warrants
Hollywood judges issue bench warrants for many reasons. Missing a traffic court date is the most common. Other reasons include skipping a misdemeanor hearing, failing a felony arraignment, ignoring a subpoena, or breaking probation rules. Jury duty no-shows can also trigger a bench warrant in some cases. Each missed court date creates a new warrant.
Hollywood Court System and Warrant Records
Hollywood is part of Broward County, Florida. All court cases in Hollywood go through the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps the records. This system handles every type of warrant issued in Hollywood, from small traffic matters to serious felony cases. Court records stay public under Florida law.
The 17th Judicial Circuit and Broward County Clerk
The 17th Judicial Circuit serves Broward County. Brenda D. Forman serves as the Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk can be reached at (954) 831-6565 during business hours. The clerk manages all case files, court documents, and warrant records for Hollywood cases.
Hollywood Police Department Warrant Service
Hollywood Police Department headquarters is at 3250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021. The non-emergency phone number is (954) 967-4636. Hollywood officers check for active warrants during traffic stops, business checks, and any other police contact. A warrant check is automatic when someone is identified by police. Officers can arrest on the spot.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Warrant Database
The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) headquarters sits at 2601 W. Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. The non-emergency line is (954) 764-4357. BSO runs warrant service across the county and supports city police departments. BSO directs most warrant questions to the Broward Clerk’s online system for the most current data.
Florida Statewide Warrant Searches
Florida offers several statewide warrant search tools. These pull data from all 67 counties. The two most trusted sources are the FDLE wanted persons database and the Florida Court Clerks eWarrants system. Both update regularly and cover Hollywood cases. A search takes only a few minutes with a name and date of birth.
FDLE Wanted Persons Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a free wanted persons search. The database refreshes every 24 hours. Search by first name, last name, or date of birth at fdle.state.fl.us. A match does not prove guilt but shows an active warrant. The site lists the charges, the county, and bond amount.
Florida Court Clerks eWarrants System
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers runs the eWarrants system. It links all 67 county clerks into one search. A Hollywood warrant shows up in this system along with warrants from any other Florida county. Search at flclerks.com. The system covers civil, criminal, and traffic cases statewide.
Using the Broward Clerk Online Case Search
The Broward Clerk offers a free case search at browardclerk.org/web2. Search by party name, case number, or citation number. The search shows case details, charges, court dates, and warrant status. Results are limited to 200 entries per search. Users can also buy certified copies of court documents through the portal.
Penalties for a Hollywood Bench Warrant
A bench warrant in Hollywood creates serious legal problems. Missing court is a separate crime under Florida law. Drivers face license suspension. Warrants stay active forever unless cleared by a judge. The penalties add up fast. Each missed date brings new charges on top of the old ones.
Failure to Appear Criminal Charges in Florida
Florida Statute 843.15 makes failure to appear (FTA) a separate crime. Missing a felony court date is a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison. Missing a misdemeanor hearing is a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail. These charges get added on top of the original case. The court can also add fines and court costs.
Driver’s License Suspension from FTA
A missed court date in Hollywood triggers an automatic driver’s license suspension. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) gets notice from the court. The suspension lasts until the case is resolved or the FTA fee is paid. Driving on a suspended license brings new criminal charges and fines.
Bench Warrant Expiration Rules in Florida
Hollywood bench warrants do not expire. A warrant from 20 years ago stays active today. The warrant ends only when the person dies, appears in court, or a judge recalls it. Search warrants work differently under Florida Statute 933.05 and expire after 10 days. Arrest warrants also have different rules based on the charge.
Resolving a Hollywood Bench Warrant
Clearing a Hollywood bench warrant takes action. The smartest move is calling a criminal defense lawyer. A lawyer can file paperwork, appear in court for the client, or arrange a safe surrender. The longer a warrant stays active, the higher the arrest risk. Quick action saves money and stress.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
A Florida criminal defense lawyer with 17th Circuit experience knows the local rules. The lawyer can review the case file, talk to the prosecutor, and find the best path forward. Many Hollywood attorneys offer free first meetings for warrant cases. Flat fees are common for simple FTA cases.
Motion to Quash a Bench Warrant
A motion to quash asks the judge to cancel the warrant. Judges grant these for old cases, mistaken identities, or minor technical errors. The lawyer files the motion and appears at the hearing. If granted, the warrant comes off the system. The case can then move forward normally.
Posting Bond on a Hollywood Warrant
Bond can be set on a bench warrant. The bond amount depends on the original charge. A lawyer can request a bond hearing before the warrant turns into an arrest. Paying the bond at the clerk’s office does not always end the warrant on its own. A court appearance is still needed.
Voluntary Surrender at Broward County Jail
The Broward County Jail accepts voluntary surrenders 24 hours a day. The jail sits at 555 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Surrendering on the client’s own terms usually leads to faster release and better treatment by the court. A lawyer should be present during surrender for best results.
Florida Bench Warrant Statutes
Florida law spells out how bench warrants work. The main laws sit in the Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. Knowing these rules helps anyone facing a Hollywood warrant. The statutes cover how warrants are issued, how they are served, and the penalties for ignoring them.
Florida Statute 901.02 – Warrant Issuance
Florida Statute 901.02 covers warrant issuance. A judge must find probable cause before signing any arrest warrant. For bench warrants, the missed court date itself supplies the probable cause. The signed warrant goes into the statewide system within hours. The clerk is required to enter the warrant right away.
Florida Statute 901.04 – Warrant Execution
Florida Statute 901.04 allows any law officer in the state to execute a warrant at any time, day or night. Officers from Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or anywhere else can arrest a person named in an active warrant. There are no geographic limits. The warrant can be served anywhere in Florida.
Florida Statute 843.15 – Failure to Appear
Florida Statute 843.15 creates the crime of failure to appear. The statute lists the felony and misdemeanor penalties. Anyone who knowingly misses a court date commits a new crime under this law. The prosecutor must prove the person knew about the court date and chose not to show up.
Florida Statute 88.3051 – Capias Authority
Florida Statute 88.3051 allows courts to issue a capias, bench warrant, or writ of bodily attachment when a person fails to appear after proper notice. This covers family law cases as well as criminal cases in Hollywood. The statute gives judges broad power to enforce court orders.
Practical Concerns and Limitations
Active Hollywood bench warrants affect many parts of daily life. Travel, driving, job applications, and background checks all carry risk. Knowing these limits helps people make smart choices. Ignoring a warrant never makes it go away. It only makes the arrest risk higher.
Travel with an Active Hollywood Warrant
Flying with an active warrant is risky. TSA does not check the warrant database at airports. However, police patrols near airports can run name checks. A traffic stop on the way to the airport can lead to arrest. Crossing the border into Mexico or Canada carries similar risk. Cruise ship boarding also requires ID checks.
Bench Warrants and Florida DMV
A bench warrant triggers a license suspension through the Florida DMV. The court sends the suspension notice automatically. Driving on the suspended license is a separate criminal charge. License reinstatement requires clearing the warrant and paying fees. The standard reinstatement fee is $60 plus any FTA fines.
Public Records and Sunshine Law
Florida’s Sunshine Law, Chapter 119, makes bench warrant records public. Anyone can search the Broward Clerk website or the FDLE database. Warrant details, charges, and bond amounts all show up in public searches. This means employers, landlords, and others can find warrant data easily.
Avoiding Warrant Scams
Scammers often target people worried about warrants. They call pretending to be Hollywood police, BSO deputies, or court clerks. They demand gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps. Real officers never ask for money over the phone. These scams cost victims millions every year.
How to Spot a Real Officer
Real law officers show up in person. They carry badges and ID. They never ask for payment over the phone. They never threaten arrest over a gift card. Any call demanding money for a warrant is a scam. Hang up and call the real number to confirm.
Reporting Scam Calls
Report scam calls to the Hollywood Police Department at (954) 967-4636. Also report to the Florida Attorney General’s office at (866) 9NO-SCAM. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center takes online scam reports at ic3.gov. Quick reporting helps stop the scammers.
Hollywood Warrant Contacts and Resources
The main contacts for Hollywood warrant cases are listed below. Save these numbers and websites before any court issue comes up. Acting fast is the best way to clear a warrant. Keep this page bookmarked for future reference.
Broward County Clerk of Court
Address: 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website: browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hollywood Police Department
Address: 3250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 967-4636
Website: hollywoodfl.org
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Broward Sheriff’s Office
Address: 2601 W. Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 764-4357
Website: sheriff.org
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
FDLE Wanted Persons
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Hours: Online search, 24 hours a day
Broward County Jail
Address: 555 SE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-5900
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers common questions about Hollywood, Florida bench warrants. The answers below give direct facts based on Florida law. For specific legal advice, talk to a licensed criminal defense attorney in Broward County. Each question addresses a real concern people face when dealing with active warrants.
How long does a bench warrant last in Hollywood?
A bench warrant in Hollywood lasts forever. There is no expiration date. The warrant stays active until the person appears in court, dies, or a judge recalls it. A warrant from 30 years ago is still good today. The only way to clear it is through proper court action or a judge’s order. Search warrants work differently and expire after 10 days.
Can a Hollywood bench warrant be expunged?
Yes, in some cases. If the underlying case is eligible for expungement, the warrant can be removed with the rest of the record. Florida law allows expungement for certain misdemeanor and felony cases after specific waiting periods. A criminal defense attorney can review the case and file the right paperwork. Eligibility depends on the charge and case outcome.
What is the fine for missing a Hollywood court date?
Florida does not set a flat fine for missing court. The judge sets the amount based on the case. Common fines range from $100 to $500 for misdemeanor FTA cases. Felony FTA cases carry prison time instead of fines. Additional court costs and surcharges also apply. The total cost often exceeds $1,000 once all fees add up.
Can I check for a Hollywood warrant by name?
Yes. The Broward Clerk website offers free name searches at browardclerk.org/web2. The FDLE statewide database at fdle.state.fl.us also accepts name searches. Both require a first and last name. Date of birth helps narrow results. The search takes just a few minutes and is completely free.
Do Hollywood bench warrants show up on background checks?
Yes. Most commercial background checks pull from the same public records used by the FDLE and county clerks. Active warrants show up on employment, housing, and rental background checks. The warrant stays visible until cleared by court action. Even old warrants can appear if they were never officially recalled.
What happens if I am stopped while having a warrant?
Police will arrest the person on the spot. The officer runs a name check during any lawful stop. A warrant triggers immediate custody. The person goes to jail and waits for a first appearance before a judge. Bond may or may not be set right away. The original case resumes from there.
Should I turn myself in for a Hollywood bench warrant?
Yes, with a lawyer present. Voluntary surrender shows the court good faith. It often leads to lower bonds and quicker release. The lawyer can file paperwork before surrender to speed things up. Walking in on your own terms beats getting picked up at a traffic stop every time.