Missing Court Creates Serious Consequences
Missing court can rapidly make a criminal case worse. A failure to appear (FTA) sets off a legal chain reaction — possible new charges, stricter release conditions, higher bail, or a bench warrant for your arrest.
Bench warrants are serious because they stay active until the courts address your case. That means you could be arrested at any time for a routine traffic stop, ID check, or other police encounters.
At Stein Defense, we defend FTA cases and work quickly to recall warrants. Our mission is to protect your rights and get your case back on track.
Immediate Fallout
When you miss court, judges might issue a bench warrant. Bench warrants are court orders that authorize law enforcement to arrest a person and bring them to court.
Common Reasons for a Bench Warrant:
- Missing a scheduled court date or trial
- Failing to pay court fines, fees, or child support on time
- Disobeying the rules or terms of probation
- Ignoring a legal summons, subpoena, or jury duty notice
What Follows an Arrest
After an arrest, a judge can order jail holds for up to 48 hours. That means you’re held in county jail while the judge reviews your case and decides what happens next.
If you’re released on bail, the court can order a bail forfeiture, where the court takes and keeps the money or property posted for your release. A judge may also:
- Raise your bail
- Revoke your release
- Require bail if you were previously released on your own recognizance.
In some cases, a failure to appear itself can become a separate charge. Courts can impose a misdemeanor FTA for missing misdemeanor court dates, or a felony FTA under PC 1320 for missing felony court dates.
These charges carry additional jail time and fines on top of your original case. If convicted of a FTA charge, a misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in county jail, while a felony adds up to 3 years.
Fixing the Problem
If you missed court, don’t wait to be arrested. At Stein Defense, we can file recall motions and quash a failure to appear charge before you’re arrested. Acting quickly helps limit the damage.
A safe surrender can also work in your favor. Judges are more lenient when you voluntarily turn yourself in. In fact, many judges recall warrants and reinstate release conditions when you take responsibility and appear going forward.
Has a missed court date put your case at risk? Contact a criminal defense attorney like David A. Stein now before a warrant, higher bail, or jail time derails your case. Remember, a bench warrant gives law enforcement the authority to arrest you, and it can happen without warning. Call us today.