Having to go to court can be stressful and intimidating. In some cases, it can be so nerve-racking to face a judge, jury, or prosecutor that there are some people who consider skipping their court date altogether. When you receive a summons for a specific court date, it may be tempting to skip it, but you do not want to miss it. Missing your court date can result in severe consequences, even more so than when you started.
Missing a court date may cause a judge to issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney guiding you can help alleviate some of the anxiety of having to appear in court. If you already missed your court date in Pennsylvania, consult with an experienced attorney at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, & Gifford, P.C. to help you navigate your next steps.
The Outcomes of a Bench Warrant in Pennsylvania
The consequences of missing a court date in Pennsylvania are addressed in Rule 1910.13-1. Pennsylvania state law explains that if you fail to appear in court, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Failing to appear can also complicate any pending criminal charges you may have.
When you miss a scheduled court date, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Police are then able to put you in custody and contain you for 72 hours while you wait for another hearing. Although it may be unlikely that the police will actively search for you, they will be able to arrest you if you get pulled over for a traffic violation. In some cases, the court can order bondsmen to look for you. Other consequences of missing a court date include:
- Forfeiting of bond
- Fines
- Suspension of driver’s license
Missing a court date means that you have disobeyed court orders and are now in contempt of court. Depending on the judge’s discretion, it may cause severe problems in your case.
Court Proceedings After a Bench Warrant
If a bench warrant is issued for your arrest, it’s essential to understand the court proceedings that will follow. Once taken into custody, you will be held for up to 72 hours before a bench warrant hearing. During this hearing, the judge will decide whether to release you or detain you in jail. If you are released, you will be required to appear at your next court date, which may be scheduled immediately or at a later time.
Having a criminal defense lawyer present during the bench warrant hearing is crucial. Your lawyer can advocate on your behalf, arguing for your release and negotiating with the prosecution. They can also challenge the admissibility of evidence, ensuring that your rights are protected. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court may appoint a public defender to represent you. This legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your hearing and subsequent court dates.
Contacting the Court after a Missed Court Date in Pennsylvania
Contacting the court after a missed court date can be beneficial because it can diminish the consequences associated with your contempt of court. Doing so as soon as possible after a missed court date is typically your best choice. Consulting with reputable law offices can provide you with the necessary guidance to navigate the legal process.
Being cooperative while you are at the mercy of the court’s judgment is also a great way to alleviate some of the consequences. However, pleading your case may not always work; that is why you may need the help of an experienced attorney before you contact the court.
What If You Missed Court Due to an Emergency?
Missing a court date due to an emergency is legitimate and can negate any consequences mentioned above. If you miss a scheduled hearing due to an emergency, it is crucial to communicate with the court promptly. For this to happen, however, you must be proactively communicating with the court to avoid any negative repercussions. Judges often judge the legitimacy of the emergency on a case-by-case basis. Some of the most common reasons for missing an appointment are:
- A medical emergency kept you from being able to show up to court
- A family member had a medical emergency
- A car accident kept you from being able to show up to court
To be considered a legitimate reason by the court, the event that kept you from attending your court date must be aligned with the specific court date and time set.
In the rare case that you did not receive a court notice to appear in court, the court will not present a bench warrant for your arrest. Nonetheless, it is still best to hire a criminal defense lawyer to navigate your unique situation.
What to Do If You Already Missed a Court Date in Pennsylvania?
If you missed a court date in Pennsylvania, you should consult a defense attorney to guide you with the next steps for the best possible outcome. Your defense attorney will determine how to alleviate some of the consequences. Here are some ways your defense attorney might help you:
- Gathering evidence to support your defense
- Scheduling and coordinating the next court date
- Evaluating and examining the issued bench warrant
- Determining the possible consequences of missing your court date
When you miss a court date, it adds problems to the initial case for which you had a court date. The court will still need to address the initial issue, and you may have to defend your case on both fronts. This is why you should have the guidance of an attorney to help build a strategy regarding both cases to help avoid serious convictions.
Minimizing the Consequences of Missing a Court Date
Missing a court date can have serious consequences, but there are steps you can take to minimize them. If you missed your court date due to a legitimate reason, such as a medical emergency or car accident, it’s essential to provide documentation to support your claim. This can include hospital records, police reports, or witness statements.
If you missed your court date without a legitimate reason, it’s crucial to take responsibility for your actions and apologize to the court. Demonstrating your commitment to resolving the case by cooperating with the prosecution and attending all scheduled court dates can also help. In some cases, a defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss the charges related to missing a court date. This is more likely to happen if you have a clean record and have taken steps to rectify the situation.
Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Attorney When You Miss a Court Date in Pennsylvania
Missing a court date can lead to more serious problems regarding your initial case. To avoid life-altering convictions, contact the knowledgeable attorneys Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. to help you avoid serious consequences.
The legal team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has over 65 years of experience helping those in the Pennsylvania community and has worked to build the best outcomes for the most complex cases. Missed your court date in Pennsylvania? It’s important to contact a defense lawyer immediately. To speak confidentially with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney, call (215) 822-7575 or request a free consultation via our contact form today.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
November 6, 2024
