Waco Failure to Appear Lawyer

While the state has the power to hold people in jail following an arrest, it frequently releases them until trial. In exchange, these individuals are expected to appear at all court dates and comply with other requirements issued by a judge. When someone does not attend a mandatory court date, it is known as failure to appear.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for missing a court date, options are available to clear things up. Mistakes happen, and the right criminal defense attorney could provide the court with an explanation for your absence. Let a Waco failure to appear lawyer review your case and advise you of your available options.

Why Do Courts Require an Appearance?

There are different reasons why a person might be required to attend court proceedings. While most of the time, these cases involve criminal defendants not showing up for a court date, there are other situations where someone might be required to appear.

Defendants who are released from jail pending trial are given a list of requirements they must follow. Failure to do so can lead the court to issue a bench warrant, which orders the arrest of that person so that they can be brought to court as soon as possible.

In addition, witnesses in criminal cases might also be required to appear at a criminal trial. The accused has the right to defend themselves, including using witnesses with relevant testimony.

Judges might also periodically order people to appear in court after they have been convicted of a crime. If there are still outstanding court costs or fines, a judge can require them to appear and explain their failure to comply. However, missing these dates can lead to additional charges.

A person might not make a scheduled court appearance for several reasons, such as forgetting, scheduling errors, sudden injuries, or incarceration on different charges. Regardless of why you missed a court appearance, there may be options for resolving these charges. A Waco failure to appear attorney could speak directly to the court to explain what happened.

Consequences for Failing to Appear in Court

When an individual misses a scheduled court date, the judge typically issues a bench warrant for their arrest. The next time that person is pulled over or interacts with law enforcement, they can expect to be arrested and held until they are able to appear before the judge who issued the warrant.

Failing to appear is its own criminal offense, and a conviction can lead to fines or jail time. The severity of these penalties depends on the nature of the proceedings themselves.

For example, failing to appear during a felony criminal case can bring steep consequences. In addition to jail time and fines, driving privileges could be suspended. Once the accused goes before the judge, they may also face an increase in bail for their underlying charges.

Schedule to Meet With a Failure to Appear Attorney in Waco Today

There are serious implications for missing a court date, but you still have the right to defend yourself. A conviction for failure to appear is not set in stone, especially with a seasoned legal team by your side. Schedule an initial consultation with one of our Waco failure to appear lawyers today to learn more about your options.