Rule 6.6 Bench Warrant

If you're ordered to show up in court but you don't come, the judge can have a bench warrant issued for your arrest. This can happen if you skip a court date after being served with a subpoena, an order to show cause, or some other official court notice. Once the judge confirms you didn't show up, they can tell the court clerk to issue the warrant.

The warrant tells police officers anywhere in the state to pick you up and bring you to court, either right away or at a specific date and time set by the judge. Any police officer in any North Dakota county can arrest you under this warrant, using the same process they'd use for a regular arrest warrant.

The main point is simple: missing a required court date can lead to police showing up and arresting you, not just a fine or a warning. If you get a notice to appear in court, it's important to go or to contact the court if you have a real problem making it.