What Happens When You Miss Your Court Date?

Missing a court date can unleash a cascade of horrible legal consequences, varying based on the nature of your case.

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Whether it's a criminal matter, a civil lawsuit, or a citation, the repercussions can be significant. Here's a breakdown of what might happen and how legal intervention, particularly with a partner firm provided by your Law Passport membership, can be your lifeline.

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Criminal Cases: Warrant Issued:

• In criminal cases, missing a court date often results in a warrant being issued for your arrest. This adds a layer of urgency to rectify the situation, you will have an active order for you to be arrested and to go to jail, with a secured bond, and will have to wait for a judge to release you and pay a bond to be released. A lawyer can help you reschedule your court date and have your warrant stricken.

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Civil Plaintiff: Case Dismissed:

• For civil plaintiffs, missing a court date might lead to the dismissal of your case. Courts are generally less forgiving in civil matters, and your absence could result in the closure of your case.

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FTA for Citations: License Suspension and Fine:

• If you miss a court date related to a citation, an FTA (Failure to Appear) may be issued. This can lead to the suspension of your license and imposition of fines. A lawyer can assist you with rescheduling your court date and petitioning the court to remove your fine.

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Legal Intervention: A Crucial Step:

• The key to mitigating the fallout from a missed court date is swift legal intervention. A lawyer is instrumental in navigating the aftermath, a lawyer is oftentimes the only individual who can reschedule your court date on your behalf and potentially do so without your appearance being necessary. This is important because if you are spotted by one of the bailiffs with an active warrant they will arrest you.

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Removing FTA and Fine for Citations:

• For FTAs related to citations, legal representation can aid in getting a new court date, having the FTA removed, and potentially avoiding fines and license suspension.

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Removing Arrest Warrant in Criminal Cases:

• In criminal cases, having an arrest warrant hanging over you is a serious matter. Legal counsel can help quash the warrant, secure a new court date, and guide you through the legal process.

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Recovering in Civil Cases:

• If your civil case was dismissed due to a missed court date, a lawyer can explore options to potentially re-file the lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.

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Consult Your Law Passport Partner Firm for Tailored Advice:

• Every case is unique, and the best course of action depends on specific details. Calling your lawyer is crucial. They can provide personalized advice on how to navigate the aftermath of a missed court date.

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Proactive Steps for Future Cases:

• Legal representation not only helps rectify the current situation but can also guide you on proactive steps to avoid such issues in the future.

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In conclusion, missing a court date triggers a series of legal consequences. However, swift action, particularly with the assistance of legal professionals like those provided by your Law Passport membership, can often mitigate these consequences. Whether it's removing an FTA, addressing an arrest warrant, or strategizing for a civil case, legal intervention is your best course of action.

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If you've missed your court date, don't delay—consult your lawyer promptly to discuss the best options for your specific case details.