What Happens If You Fail To Attend Court?
If you fail to attend a court hearing, there can be several consequences, including…
- Issuance of a Bench Warrant – When you fail to appear in court as required, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest you and bring you before the court.
- Forfeiture of Bail – If you posted bail to secure your release before the court hearing and you fail to appear, the court may forfeit the bail money. This means that you lose the money you posted, and it will not be returned to you.
- Additional Charges – Failing to attend a court hearing can result in additional criminal charges, such as failure to appear or contempt of court.
- Increased Penalties – If you are found guilty of the underlying offense, the judge may impose additional penalties or harsher sentencing due to your failure to appear in court.
- Driver’s License Suspension – Failure to appear in court can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
If you miss a court date, take immediate action to address the situation. You should contact the court as soon as possible to explain the reason for your absence and to reschedule the hearing if necessary. You may want to consult with an attorney for guidance on how to proceed and to protect your rights. Ignoring a missed court date can lead to further legal consequences and make resolving the matter more challenging.
