My question involves an arrest warrant from the State of: California.
In July 2008, I was cited for 22450(a) and 4000(a). I read my ticket carefully both front and back. It stated that "For all violations, your court date/time/place are on the front of this notice to appear." There was nothing written on the front of my citation. Everything was blank. However, I was charged with a 'FTA', my license was suspended and there was a bench warrant ($5000) placed on me. A sheriff that was doing a 'warrant sweep' came to my job and arrested me and I went to jail. My question is, how is it possible to charge someone with a 'Failure to Appear' for a court date that you have never been informed of? It is my understanding that the court does not forward mail and I had moved twice during the between the date of this citation and the present. The arresting officer seemed to have no problem locating me in order to arrest me. Why, then, was it so difficult to notify me that there had been a bench warrant issued for my arrest??? Please help as I am a little frustrated. Thanks in advance.

