What Happens If You Miss A Court Date?
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What Happens If You Miss A Court Date?
✕
  • HOME
  • OUR FIRM
    • David M. Smith
    • Gregory D. Ammons
    • Joshua T. Howle
    • Brice E. Ricker
    • Meet our Team
    • In The News
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Family Law
      • Divorce
      • Mediation
      • Equitable Apportionment
      • Alimony
      • Custody
      • Visitation
      • Child Support
      • Adoption/Termination Of Parental Rights
      • DSS Actions
      • Guardian ad litem Services
    • Probate
    • Civil Litigation
      • Construction Dispute
        • Construction Defect
        • Mechanic’s Lien
      • Contract Disputes
        • Breach of Contract
        • Legal Remedies
      • HOA Disputes
      • Non-Compete Disputes
      • Property Damage
      • Unfair Trade Practices
      • Lemon Law
    • Personal Injury
    • Disability
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI / Traffic
    • Worker’s Compensation
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Wrongful Death
  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
  • PAY BILL
  • FAQ
  • LOCATIONS
    • FLORENCE OFFICE
    • SUMMERVILLE OFFICE
  • CONTACT
  • Media Room
What Happens If You Miss A Court Date?
Call Florence Office
(843) 407-1583
Call Summerville Office:
(843) 900-2020
  • HOME
  • OUR FIRM
    • David M. Smith
    • Gregory D. Ammons
    • Joshua T. Howle
    • Brice E. Ricker
    • Meet our Team
    • In The News
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Family Law
      • Divorce
      • Mediation
      • Equitable Apportionment
      • Alimony
      • Custody
      • Visitation
      • Child Support
      • Adoption/Termination Of Parental Rights
      • DSS Actions
      • Guardian ad litem Services
    • Probate
    • Civil Litigation
      • Construction Dispute
        • Construction Defect
        • Mechanic’s Lien
      • Contract Disputes
        • Breach of Contract
        • Legal Remedies
      • HOA Disputes
      • Non-Compete Disputes
      • Property Damage
      • Unfair Trade Practices
      • Lemon Law
    • Personal Injury
    • Disability
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI / Traffic
    • Worker’s Compensation
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Wrongful Death
  • WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
  • PAY BILL
  • FAQ
  • LOCATIONS
    • FLORENCE OFFICE
    • SUMMERVILLE OFFICE
  • CONTACT
  • Media Room

Close-up Of Male Judge In Front Of Mallet Holding Documents

The Consequences of Missing a Court Date
When you are summoned to court for a hearing, the consequences of missing your date can be costly. A missed court date can result in fines and penalties. If this has happened to you before, it might not seem bad because you know what to expect. But if this is your first time being summoned, or if you have never been in trouble with the law before, then it may be overwhelming. Learn more about what happens when someone misses their court date by reading on!
If you are a defendant and you miss your court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This will give the police the authority to find and apprehend you. The judge may add new charges to your case or increase your bail amount when you are brought before the court. If you are already out on bail, the judge may order that you be taken into custody.
If you are a victim of a crime and the defendant misses their court date, it is possible that you will not have an opportunity to testify in person. Victims might have to appear via video or telephone conference instead of in-person in some cases. This could impact the outcome of your case.
Additionally, if the defendant does not show up for a trial, the judge may choose to issue a default judgment. This means that because there is not enough evidence presented at trial, you, as the victim, will likely lose your case and be unable to seek financial restitution from your attacker.
If you are an attorney who has missed the court date, the judge may ask for your excuse. If there is no valid reason provided or if it appears that you have chosen to ignore your court summons, then this could be grounds for disbarment. Another possible consequence of missing a court appearance as an attorney is being held in contempt of court and fined accordingly.
If someone misses their court date without giving notice or if they do not appear for a scheduled hearing, it could have severe consequences on future hearings in their case. It can also change the outcomes of prospective patients involving them as a defendant or a plaintiff. If you know about an upcoming court date and cannot make it due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or death in the family, then contact local law enforcement immediately so that arrangements can be made for another person to take their place within the courtroom until you arrive again later down the road.
Simply put, there are a lot of potential consequences for missing your court date. That is why it is essential to make sure that you attend all scheduled hearings and arrive on time. If something comes up and you cannot go, be sure to contact the court as soon as possible to reschedule. Failing to appear in court can have serious consequences, so don’t take the risk!
Now that we know what can happen if someone misses their court date, let’s take a look at some tips for making sure that doesn’t happen to you:
-Make sure you are aware of your hearing dates and times. This information should be included on your summons or ticket.
-If something comes up and you cannot attend, contact the court to reschedule. Don’t wait until your date is within one week or less before you are supposed to show up this won’t leave enough time for a new hearing date to be set!
-Be sure that if something comes up and you cannot go, someone can appear in your place. The judge will not want an empty seat in the courtroom!

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