Missing a court date after being released on bail is a serious issue that can lead to significant consequences. When someone is arrested and released on bail, they must return to court for all their scheduled hearings. But what happens if you miss a court date? Understanding the potential outcomes and knowing what to do next is very important. Here, we’ll explain the consequences and how a bail bond company can help if this happens.
Why Court Dates Are Important
When a judge sets bail, it’s a way of ensuring that the person who was arrested will come back for their court hearings. By paying bail, you agree to return to court. If you don’t show up, this is known as “failure to appear” (FTA), and it can lead to serious legal problems.
What Happens If You Miss a Court Date?
- A Warrant Is Issued for Your Arrest
The first thing that happens if you miss a court date is that the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means that the police can arrest you at any time and bring you back to jail. If you’re stopped for any reason—such as during a traffic stop—the police will see the warrant and arrest you on the spot. - Bail Is Forfeited
When you miss a court date, the court may forfeit (take) your bail. If you paid bail in full yourself, this means you lose all the money you paid. If you used a bail bond company to post bail, the company loses the amount they posted for your release. The bail bond company will likely take legal steps to get their money back, which could include using collateral or other legal actions. - Additional Charges May Be Filed
In addition to the charges you were already facing, the court can file new charges for failure to appear. This makes your situation worse because now you have more legal problems to deal with. The penalty for missing a court date could include more fines or additional jail time. - The Bail Bond Company Will Try to Find You
If you used a bail bond company to get out of jail, they have a financial interest in making sure you attend all your court dates. If you miss one, they might hire a bounty hunter or other professionals to find you and bring you back to court. This is because the company wants to avoid losing the money they posted for your bail.
What Should You Do If You Miss a Court Date?
If you accidentally missed a court date, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Contact Your Lawyer: If you miss a court date, reach out to your lawyer immediately. They can help explain the situation to the court and possibly get the warrant canceled.
- Go to Court Voluntarily: In some cases, going to court as soon as possible after missing a date can help reduce the consequences. The judge may be more understanding if you missed court due to an emergency, and coming forward voluntarily shows that you are taking responsibility.
- Contact Your Bail Bond Company: If you used a bail bond company, let them know about the missed court date. They may be able to help you with legal advice or assist you in getting back on track with your court appearances.
Conclusion
Missing a court date, can result in serious consequences, including an arrest warrant, losing your bail, and facing new charges. If you’re unsure what happens if you miss a court date, remember that the best thing to do is take action quickly. Contact your lawyer and bail bond company in Glendale, AZ to explain the situation and avoid making things worse. By staying proactive, you can work to resolve the issue and get back on track with your case.