Most people are not required to remain in custody until their trial date following an arrest. They are often either given the chance to bond out or simply released upon their own recognizance. In both of those situations, there is a requirement that the defendant attend all scheduled trial dates or face additional consequences. If you have failed to appear at a court date, now is the time to speak with our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
The penalties for failing to appear in court can be serious, but a conviction is never certain. Sometimes, these charges can arise from a clerical error, or perhaps you had a genuine emergency that kept you from attending. Let our Butler failure to appear lawyer help you resolve this issue.
There are a number of situations where a judge has the power to order you to appear before them. While this authority exists in civil court, charges of failure to appear stem from criminal cases. If you do not show up at a mandated court date, the consequences can be severe.
You can generally expect to have a pending court date following an arrest. Even if you are given a ticket and allowed to leave after a traffic stop, your citation will include a date and time to appear in court and enter a plea. If you do not show up, you can be arrested. This obligation remains following your first court hearing and applies to any future dates as well. A judge can also order the parties to appear at any point, but you must be formally notified before you are at risk of a bench warrant. Our Butler failure to appear attorneys could help you address the issues that arise from missing a court date.
Failing to appear in a Butler court when required is a serious offense that can result in additional criminal charges, as our knowledgeable lawyers could explain. Judges often issue a bench warrant immediately, allowing law enforcement to arrest you at any point following the missed court date. Depending on the nature of the original case, failing to appear can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, adding to the penalties you already face.
Consequences may include fines, probation violations, or even jail time. Additionally, missing a court date can result in higher bail amounts or the forfeiture of bond. The court may also view the failure as evidence of irresponsibility, which can negatively affect the outcome of the underlying case.
Facing a failure to appear charge can feel overwhelming, but having the support of an experienced attorney from our firm could make a significant difference in the outcome of your situation. Our lawyers are often able to move quickly in addressing the bench warrant, sometimes negotiating with the court to have it lifted or recalled without requiring immediate jail time. We could also explain the reason behind the missed appearance, which might be something such as illness, confusion about the date, or lack of proper notice.
When you hire our Butler attorneys to help with your failure to appear charge, they advise you of your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process.
If you missed a court date, it is essential that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly could help you avoid an arrest warrant and the additional charges that come with it. Our attorneys are all former prosecutors who understand how to navigate the criminal justice system.
Call our Butler failure to appear lawyer today to discuss your options.