BENCH WARRANT

bench warrant.A writ issued directly by a judge to a law-enforcement officer, esp. for the arrest of a person who has been held in contempt, has been indicted, has disobeyed a subpoena, or has failed to appear for a hearing or trial. • A bench warrant is often issued for the arrest of a child-support obligor who is found in contempt for not having paid the support obligation. [Cases: Criminal Law  263. C.J.S. Criminal Law § 355.][Blacks Law 8th]