It is human to “drop the ball” from time to time. Yet, the consequences of some mistakes can be far more significant than the consequences stemming from others. For example, missing a dental cleaning is usually not a big deal. If you miss a cleaning, you can simply reschedule and you may have to pay a no-show fee. Yet, if you’ve been accused of criminal wrongdoing and you miss a court date, the repercussions of this situation can be disastrous.
Missing a court date can result in serious and far-reaching consequences for criminal defendants. The judicial system operates on a strict schedule, and failing to appear as required can potentially lead to immediate and long-term impacts on a defendant’s case and personal life.
Potential Repercussions
Millions of Americans fail to appear at scheduled court hearings every year in the U.S. Yet, simply because missing one’s court date is a common occurrence doesn’t mean that it isn’t a consequential one. Common challenges that criminal defendants face when they miss a court date include the following:
- Bench warrant issuance: One of the most immediate consequences of missing a court date is the issuance of a bench warrant. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest the missing defendant and bring them before the court.
- Contempt of Court: Failing to appear in court can result in a charge of contempt of court. This charge can lead to additional penalties, including fines and jail time, separate from the original charges that a defendant is facing.
- Bail forfeiture: If the missing defendant was released on bail, a failure to appear can result in the forfeiture of their bail amount. This means the defendant, or the party that posted bail on their behalf, will lose the money or property used to secure their release. Additionally, the court may increase bail or deny any future bail requests as a result of the failure to appear at issue.
- Forfeiture of legal rights: Some court appearances allow a defendant and their legal team to assert certain legal rights, such as the right to a speedy trial or the right to suppress evidence. Missing these dates can result in the forfeiture of these rights, weakening the defendant’s case and potentially leading to an unjust outcome.
While missing certain appointments and events is understandable, court dates are simply non-negotiable, and should be treated as if they’ve been inked on a defendant’s calendar in red. If you’ve made a mistake, however, legal guidance can help you navigate your next steps.