If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s likely that you’re nervous about your future. After you miss a court date, a judge will issue a warrant for your arrest. It’s key that you take the correct next steps to avoid additional charges.
What Is Failure to Appear?
If you’ve been arrested, you’ll likely need to appear in front of a judge to discuss your case. In some instances, your attorney may appear for you, without you needing to show up in court in person.
There are several types of cases that could require your appearance in court following an arrest, including:
- Your arraignment
- Preliminary hearing
- Trial
- Entry of plea
- Sentencing hearing
Missing any of these can result in long-term consequences.
What Can Happen If You Fail to Appear in Court?
When you don’t appear in court on your required date, the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. It’s important that you turn yourself in if a bench warrant has been issued. Typically, the consequences for missing your court date are less severe if you turn yourself in without requiring anyone to come looking for you. If you are pulled over or otherwise encounter law enforcement personnel who run your information while you have an outstanding bench warrant, you’ll immediately be taken into police custody upon apprehension.
If 30 days pass after the date you were supposed to appear in court and you do not turn yourself in and are not arrested, you’ll be charged with failure to appear, or FTA. Depending on your criminal history, an FTA charge can result in:
- Hefty fines
- Jail time
- Loss of your driver’s license
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Missed Your Court Date? What To Do Next
No matter how long it’s been since you missed your court date, it’s important that you talk with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll be able to work with you to help take care of your warrant, and discuss how to proceed with your case.
Don’t try to figure out how to handle a missed court date on your own. Working with a lawyer who is familiar with helping people navigate the ins and outs of the court system after missing a court date is important to helping you move forward with your life.
If You’re Facing Charges, We’re Here To Help.
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To learn more about criminal defense in Las Vegas or to discuss a particular criminal case that you or someone you love is facing, Call ATAC Law firm for help to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
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