Bench Warrant for Your Arrest If you are a no-show at a criminal hearing that requires your appearance (e.g., arraignment, preliminary hearing, trial, etc.) a judge may find you in contempt of court and issue a bench warrant for your arrest.Aug 8, 2014
What happens when you miss court?
If you missed a court appearance for whatever reason you should take immediate action to avoid being arrested. If you fail to appear, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest. You should, as soon as possible, have your attorney get your case back on the court's calendar.
What is a missed trial?
When a judge cancels a trial, she declares a mistrial. In other words, she decides that some mistake has been made and the trial must begin again from the start, with a new jury.
What if the accused doesn't show up?
If you fail to appear in court when ordered, the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest. ... Once in custody, you may have to stay in jail until a hearing on your failure to appear. Jail sentence and fines. A judge can impose a jail sentence or fines if you are found guilty of failure to appear or contempt of court.
What happens when you don't show up to court?
When you don't appear the court will forfeit your bond, and issue an arrest warrant. ... Most times the authorities will actively try to arrest you; if they can't locate you the warrant will show up on a records check if you are stopped for any reason.
What is a good reason to miss court?
One of the most common valid excuses to miss a court hearing is when you were not properly notified of the date within a reasonable amount of time. If the court didn't send out your date, you can reasonably explain your situation to the judge. If the court makes the error, you have a valid excuse.
Is it bad to miss court?
If you fail to appear, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest. You should, as soon as possible, have your attorney get your case back on the court's calendar. The longer you wait to clear up a missed court appearance the greater the risk that you will get arrested and have bond increased or denied.