A failure to appear in court charge can have serious consequences. When a judge orders you to appear in court, you must attend. However, circumstances beyond your control can make it impossible for you to make your court date. A Rochester failure to appear lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight to minimize the consequences you may face. If you are facing charges for missing your court date, a seasoned criminal defense attorney at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. can work to secure the best possible outcome.

Consequences for Failure To Appear in Court

The consequences of a failure to appear in court charge can vary depending on the charges against the person. For example, if they are facing felony charges, they can face up to one year and one day in jail and a $1,500 fine. However, for a petty misdemeanor, the court may consider the failure to appear as a guilty plea. This means the individual waives their right to a trial and will receive the penalty already set for their crime.

In most felony and misdemeanor cases, a warrant will also be issued for your arrest. This can result in a revocation of bail and remaining in jail until you can see a judge and explain why you did not appear in court. An attorney at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. can minimize this as a potential outcome by rescheduling a court date or finding a time to quash the warrant, meaning it is removed from the system so you cannot be arrested.

Regardless of the charges, it is crucial to consult a Rochester failure to appear in court lawyer as soon as possible.

Common Defense Strategies

Failure to appear in a state court can carry serious consequences. An experienced failure to appear lawyer can help individuals in Rochester present a reasonable defense for why they failed to show up for their court date. Common defenses include:

  • Natural disasters
  • Family emergencies
  • Transportation issues
  • Unexpected childcare challenges
  • A misunderstanding about the court date or location
  • Inadequate notice or information about the court date
  • Serious injury or illness, including mental health episodes
  • Significant accidents or events that prevented the defendant from arriving on time

In most cases, the court will excuse a failure to appear if the person has a reasonable excuse for missing the court date. However, promptly acting can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. Generally, individuals should inform the court about the issue that kept them from making it to the original court date as soon as possible and provide any necessary information to resolve the situation.

Steps To Take After Failing To Appear in Court

After missing a court date in Rochester, it is essential to contact a failure to appear lawyer to discuss potential options and how best to handle the situation. A person should also get in touch with the court, explain why they missed the original date, and reschedule their appearance.

Once the court assigns a new date, the individual should make every possible effort to appear on time. While emergencies can happen, repeatedly missing court dates can lead to more severe consequences. By consulting an attorney, a person can ensure they fully understand the consequences of missing a court date and are prepared for the next steps.

Work With a Rochester Failure To Appear Attorney Today

Whether you missed a court date for a felony or a misdemeanor, you should take failure to appear charges seriously, as they can have serious consequences. A Rochester failure to appear lawyer can help minimize the potential consequences and explain to the court why you did not attend your scheduled date. At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., we understand that emergencies can happen, preventing you from getting to court on time or causing you to miss it altogether. Our attorneys can advocate on your behalf and present a strong defense. Call our office today to discuss your case and next steps.