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Missing a scheduled court appearance can happen for a number of understandable reasons. Whether it was due to a scheduling conflict, an emergency, or a misunderstanding of the mandatory nature of the appearance, not being present in court can lead to serious concerns about what may happen next. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a missed court date, whether related to a criminal charge, traffic matter, or civil case, it is important to act quickly. Reaching out to a failure to appear lawyer as soon as possible can help you avoid or reduce the legal consequences that might result.
Failing to appear (FTA), formerly known as a bond forfeiture warrant in Illinois, can trigger a range of legal responses depending on the nature of your case. In criminal matters, a judge may issue a bench warrant, authorizing law enforcement to detain you. You could also face new charges, including contempt of court, or penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. In civil cases, the court may issue a default judgment, meaning the opposing party could win their case simply due to your absence. Even in traffic-related matters, missing court can escalate the situation significantly.
These outcomes can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the type of charge or case involved. An experienced failure to appear attorney can help you understand what to expect and take steps to protect your rights immediately.
The legal system treats FTAs differently based on where your case is filed and the kind of proceeding it involves. In criminal cases, particularly those involving felony or misdemeanor charges, missing a court date can lead to new criminal allegations. A bench warrant is often issued in these cases, and the court may choose to hold the person in custody until a new appearance is scheduled.
If the missed appearance was related to a civil traffic infraction, such as a non-criminal speeding ticket, the court may impose fines or suspend your driver’s license. However, if the FTA was tied to a criminal traffic matter (such as DUI, driving without a license, or evading law enforcement), the consequences are typically more serious and can include arrest.
In civil matters like lawsuits or small claims cases, an FTA can result in a default judgment, allowing the court to rule in favor of the attending party. Additionally, the court may hold the absent party in contempt, which can carry further penalties.
Whatever the scenario, the risk of additional legal trouble increases with time. That’s why speaking with a knowledgeable FTA attorney is so important.
If you are being investigated for or facing allegations related to a missed court date, legal representation is key. A failure to appear attorney can take immediate steps to assess the situation, file necessary motions to address any outstanding warrants, and begin negotiations to reduce or eliminate further penalties. At Price Benowitz LLP, attorney support begins with understanding the reason behind your absence, then building a strategy to minimize disruption to your life and protect your legal standing.
Even if you already have an attorney for the original matter, our team can step in to address the FTA specifically. We can work with your current representation or take over where needed, managing communications with the court and advocating on your behalf at every stage.
If you have missed a court date, it is natural to feel anxious about what comes next. However, proactive legal action can make a significant difference in how your case is handled moving forward. At Price Benowitz LLP, our attorneys understand the seriousness of an FTA and are here to help you resolve the matter as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Do not wait for the situation to escalate. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Price Benowitz helped my 17 year old boy get out of a reckless driving and driving without a driver’s license. Andrew Lindsey was patient, understood our situation and was very professional, my son ended up taking some driving classes and paying a small fine. I can not thank him enough 🙏
David Benowitz and his firm are the best strategic and compassionate teams you will work with. Mr. Benowitz and his team are diligent and proactive, which is further enhanced by David’s methodic and strategic approach to law. My case was a very complicated and emotionally charged case involving classified information, where I was facing three indictments, two carrying life sentences and one carrying 20 years. Mr. Benowitz utilized a network of lawyers coupled with his own strategy to navigate the case to success! I sincerely recommend David Benowitz quite literally with my life.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Andrew Lindsey from Price Benowitz for legal assistance..my experience with Andew Lindsey and Price Benowitz exceeded my expectations, and I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone in need of legal representation. His professionalism, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction set him apart, and I am grateful for his assistance in navigating the complexities of the legal system.
