Having to go to court can be a stressful experience. Even if you do your best to plan ahead, sometimes circumstances beyond your control can prevent you from being able to get to court on time. But missing a court date can lead to serious consequences. Here’s what to do if you know you won’t be able to make it and what happens if you don’t.
How To Reschedule Your Court Date Ahead Of Time
The process for rescheduling your court date may vary depending on the jurisdiction you’re in and the type of case you’re dealing with. Generally speaking, you should start by contacting the court clerk or your lawyer to let them know that you won’t be able to make it to court. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information on how to proceed.
If you know in advance that you won’t be able to attend your court date, it’s important to reschedule it ahead of time. This will give the court ample time to rearrange their schedule and provide you with a new court date.
When requesting to reschedule your court date, be prepared to provide a valid reason why you won’t be able to attend. Valid reasons may include a medical emergency, a family emergency, or a conflict with work or school.
Be sure to provide as much detail as possible to help the court understand your situation. After submitting your request, follow up with the court to make sure they received your request and that it’s being processed.
Penalties For Missing Your Court Date
If you don’t show up for your court date, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest or a bench warrant. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement officials to arrest you on sight and bring you to court. You may also face fines and jail time, or you might have your driver’s license suspended. In some cases, the judge may impose these penalties even if you had a valid reason for missing your court date.
When To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal defense attorney can be especially valuable if you are facing charges for a serious crime or if you have a history of prior offenses. An experienced lawyer can work with you to develop a legal strategy, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially reduce the severity of your charges or sentence. Contact Denver criminal defense attorney Richard B. Huttner now at 303-981-6366.