Does a bench warrant ever expire?

Bench warrants do not expire, according to Greg Hill & Associates. However, arrested persons can request that charges be dismissed pursuant to a sixth amendment constitutional right to a speedy trial if significant period of time has passed after the bench warrant was issued.

When a defendant fails to follow court rules, such as failing to appear before the court at a mandated time, a judge issues a bench warrant and the police may arrest the defendant and bring him before the court, notes Nolo. The defendant may have his attorney appear for him before the court in some misdemeanor cases unless specific findings by the court require the defendant to personally appear.