Missing a court date in a criminal case isn’t like forgetting a dentist appointment; it’s serious business. Even if it was an honest mistake or unavoidable emergency, the consequences can be swift and severe. But it’s not just about the penalties; missing court can damage your case, your credibility, and your future.

If you’re facing criminal charges or under a court order to appear, here’s what you need to know about what happens when you don’t show up and how staying in touch with your attorney and the court can make all the difference.

What Is “Failure to Appear”?

In criminal cases, being scheduled to appear in court means that you are legally obligated to show up. Whether it’s for an arraignment, pretrial hearing, or trial, missing that court date is officially known as a Failure to Appear.

Courts do not take kindly to FTAs, no matter the reason. Even if the original charge was minor, skipping court can escalate things fast.

What Happens If You Fail to Appear?

Let’s break it down:

1. A Bench Warrant Is Issued

The judge will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. That means law enforcement can pick you up at home, work, or even during a routine traffic stop. And no, they don’t have to give you a heads-up.

2. You Could Be Held in Jail

Once arrested on a bench warrant, you could be taken straight to jail, and depending on the judge’s decision, you might not get released quickly. In some cases, your bond could be revoked entirely, or you might be denied bond the second time around.

3. Additional Criminal Charges

In some jurisdictions, failing to appear can be charged as a separate crime, especially if your original charges were more serious. This means more fines, more penalties, and more stress added to your case.

4. Harm to Your Case

Judges don’t like no-shows. Skipping court makes it harder for your defense attorney to negotiate on your behalf, and it can give the prosecution ammunition to argue that you’re not taking the case seriously or, worse, that you’re trying to avoid justice altogether.

Even if your attorney has a solid defense strategy, your credibility is crucial. Showing up matters.

Why People Miss Court and Why You Shouldn’t

Let’s be real: not everyone misses court on purpose. Sometimes, people don’t have transportation, get the date wrong, or have emergencies. But even if your reason is legit, the court won’t automatically excuse your absence unless it’s communicated and properly handled before your court date, not after.

What Should You Do If You’ve Missed a Court Date?

If you realize you’ve missed court, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.

Here’s what you need to do:

Contact Your Attorney Immediately

This is priority #1. Your lawyer can assess the situation, determine whether a bench warrant has been issued, and file a motion to quash or recall the warrant if possible. The faster you act, the better your chances of minimizing damage.

Be Honest About What Happened

Whether it was a mix-up or a genuine emergency, your attorney needs the truth. Sugarcoating or hiding the real reason won’t help you fix the problem—and might make things worse down the line.

Don’t Wait to Be Arrested

If there’s already a warrant, turning yourself in voluntarily (with your lawyer by your side) often looks better to the court than being arrested out of the blue. It shows you’re taking responsibility and trying to make things right.

Communication Is Key

So, how do you avoid this mess in the first place?

• Keep your contact info up to date with both your attorney and the court.
• Put your court dates in writing on your calendar, your phone, a sticky note on the fridge, or whatever works.
• Ask questions. If you’re unsure about where to go, what time to be there, or whether you still need to appear, reach out to your attorney. It’s better to double-check than to assume.

Your attorney is your lifeline in a criminal case, but they can only help you if you keep the lines of communication open.

The Bottom Line

Missing a court date isn’t just a scheduling mistake; it can derail your entire case. From arrest warrants to new charges, the consequences are real and immediate. But with quick action and strong communication, it’s possible to repair the situation and move forward.

More importantly, by staying engaged and informed, you help your attorney build the strongest defense possible. Showing up isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about showing the court (and your defense team) that you’re ready to take your case seriously.

Are you facing charges and worried about an upcoming court date? Or maybe you missed one and aren’t sure what to do next? We’re here to help. At our Glassman & Zissimopulos, we put clients first. No judgment is necessary; you just need experienced support and real answers when you need them most.

Call us today to protect your future.

Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.