If you miss a court appearance, a judge will issue a warrant for your arrest. It is critical that you take the appropriate next measures to avoid extra charges.

If you have been arrested, you will most likely have to go before a court to explain your case. In some cases, your attorney may represent you without your presence in court.

When you fail to appear in court on your scheduled date, the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. If a bench warrant has been issued, you must turn yourself in. Typically, the repercussions of missing your court date are less severe if you turn yourself in without having someone come seeking for you.

If you are pulled over or otherwise encounter law enforcement officers who run your information while you have an outstanding bench warrant, you will be taken into police custody immediately upon arrest.

Who do I call if I can’t make it to court?

If you are involved in a legal situation, you must appear in court on your scheduled date. Being present in court is required, whether for a small traffic ticket or a more serious charge.

Missing a court date might have serious implications and damage your legal status. If you are unable to attend, you must understand the consequences and the steps you can take to lessen them.

Failure to appear in court can result in serious consequences, such as the issuing of a bench warrant, additional fines, and a possible influence on your existing legal case.

Missing a court date can result in a variety of immediate consequences, the most common being the issue of a bench warrant. This warrant allows law officers to arrest you at any moment, including during regular traffic stops or at your home.

In addition to the bench warrant, you may be fined and penalized for your absence. These fines can mount up rapidly, especially if you skipped a court hearing due to a more serious charge. Furthermore, your failure to present can jeopardize your current legal case. For example, if you were out on bail, skipping a court date could result in your bail being revoked, putting you in detention until your next court appearance.

The consequences do not end there. Missing a court date can also harm your reputation with the court, making it more difficult to get a good resolution in your case.

Regardless of how long it has been since you missed your court date, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to work with you to resolve your warrant and discuss how to proceed with your case.

Do not try to manage a missed court date on your own. Working with a lawyer who is experienced in assisting clients with navigating the intricacies of the court system after missing a court date is critical to moving forward with your life.

Who do I call to reschedule a court date?

You may be aware of the need to reschedule your court date in advance. Depending on the intricacy of your case, you may wish to postpone a court appearance for the following reasons:

• You require additional time to prepare
• You or a critical witness in your case will be absent from the area

In order to prevent the accumulation of additional points on your license as a result of multiple infractions within a specific timeframe, it is necessary to postpone the case.

What to do if you can’t make it to court

There are several measures you can take to reschedule your court date. The court is not obligated to grant your request; however, they will be willing to take it into consideration provided that you:

• Reach out to your attorney: If you are collaborating with an attorney, it is advisable to inform them first. They may be able to reschedule your court date without requiring any additional action from you.
• Reach out to the court: As far in advance as feasible, contact the county court clerk (or have your lawyer do so) and inform them that you are attempting to reschedule a court appearance. They will be able to provide you with additional information regarding the next steps. Ensure that you are attentive to any specific instructions or deadlines.
• All documentation should be filed: If the clerk has issued you with forms to complete, ensure that you complete them and return them promptly. It is possible that certain courts may only require you to submit a letter. Some organizations may mandate that you submit your forms in person at a designated time. This may be sufficient to reschedule your court date.
• Inform your bail bondsman: If you secured release on a surety bond through the assistance of a bail bond agent, ensure that they are informed of your request for a different court date. 
• Arrive at the courthouse early: Arrive at the courthouse early on the day of your scheduled court appearance, if feasible. You may be able to communicate politely with the court attendant, inform them that you are requesting a continuance, and inquire whether your appearance can be rescheduled to avoid waiting for the entire day for your case to be called.
• Request a continuance: You or your attorney may request a continuance from the judge when your name is called at court. They will request an explanation, and if a valid reason is provided, they may establish a new date.

Wrapping Up!

Missing a court date is a grave offense that may result in substantial legal repercussions. Nevertheless, it is possible to mitigate the effects and rectify the situation with the appropriate legal assistance. It is crucial for individuals who have failed to attend court dates to comprehend the potential repercussions of their actions and the precautionary measures they should implement to reduce the potential penalties. Midwest Bail Bond in Minnesota is here to assist you. Our experts are here to help you if you missed your court date.