What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in New York?

Missing a court date in New York can have serious consequences, whether it was an accident or intentional. Understanding what happens when you fail to appear and how to address the situation can help minimize the potential penalties.

Immediate Consequences of Missing a Court Date

When you miss a scheduled court appearance, the judge will typically issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means law enforcement has the authority to take you into custody at any time. A bench warrant remains active until you appear in court, or it is resolved, and it can lead to additional charges such as failure to appear.

Potential Penalties

1. Arrest: If you are stopped by police or the warrant is otherwise enforced, you may be arrested and held until you can see a judge.
2. Increased Bail or Revocation: If you were released on bail, the court may increase your bail amount or revoke it entirely, resulting in detention.
3. Additional Charges: Failure to appear can lead to new charges, which may carry additional fines or jail time.
4. Impact on Your Case: Missing court can damage your credibility with the judge and make it harder to negotiate favorable outcomes.

What Should You Do If You Missed Your Court Date?

1. Contact an Attorney Immediately:
   • A criminal defense attorney can help you address the situation promptly and work to have the bench warrant lifted.
2. Explain the Circumstances:
   • If you had a valid reason for missing court, such as a medical emergency, your attorney can present this to the court to minimize penalties.
3. Voluntarily Appear in Court:
   • Turning yourself in as soon as possible shows good faith and can improve your chances of resolving the issue favorably.
4. Avoid Further Delays:
   • The longer you wait to address the situation, the more likely it is that the consequences will worsen.

Preventing Missed Court Dates

To avoid these complications, always:

• Keep track of your court dates and set reminders.
• Inform your attorney and the court immediately if an emergency prevents you from attending.
• Ensure the court has your updated contact information to receive notifications.

Missing a court date in New York is a serious matter, but addressing it quickly can make a significant difference. At SMC Law Firm, we help clients resolve bench warrants and get their cases back on track. If you’ve missed a court date, contact us today for guidance on your next steps.