If you cannot make your court date, it is important to contact the court as soon as possible. You can do this by phone, email or in person. The court may be able to reschedule your court date or allow you to appear in court remotely. You should also alert your bail bond company regarding the potential conflict. The bonding company can work with you and the court to help keep you in good standing.
Here are steps you should take to stay in good standing with the courts:
- Contact the court as soon as possible. You can usually find the court’s contact information on your court summons or on the court’s website.
- Explain to the clerk why you cannot make your court date. Be honest and specific. If you have a medical emergency or a family emergency, the clerk may be more likely to reschedule your court date. If you have a valid reason for missing your court date, such as a medical emergency or a work conflict, be prepared to provide documentation to the court.
- Ask the clerk if you can reschedule your court date or appear in court remotely. Some courts allow defendants to reschedule their court date over the phone or online. Other courts allow defendants to appear in court remotely via video conference.
- If you are unable to reschedule your court date or appear in court remotely, you will need to appear in court in person. If you fail to appear in court, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.
A bench warrant is an order for your arrest. If you have a bench warrant for failure to appear in court, you can be arrested by the police at any time. If you are arrested for failure to appear in court, contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you protect your rights and determine the next best steps to take, including helping explain to the judge why you missed your original date. The judge will then decide whether to release you on bond or to keep you in jail until your trial.
Here are some tips to avoid missing your court date:
- Mark your calendar with your court date as soon as you receive your summons.
- Set a reminder in your phone or email calendar.
- If you have a busy schedule, write down your court date in multiple places.
- If you have a medical appointment or other important obligation on the same day as your court date, try to reschedule your appointment or obligation.
It is important to remember that missing your court date is a serious offense. If you cannot make your court date, it is important to contact the court as soon as possible and to explain why you cannot make it and agree on an alternative.
