Failing to appear in court as ordered is a serious matter. When charged with Failure to Appear (FTA), a judge can issue a warrant out for your arrest, allowing officers to arrest you at any point. If you missed a required court date, we urge you to contact a Corona failure to appear lawyer immediately. Our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry know precisely how these cases are handled. We could advocate on your behalf to have the warrant cleared and the failure to appear charge dropped or reduced.
Many situations may require you to appear in court. You are legally required to appear in court when:
Serious consequences can arise from missing a required court appearance. If you fail to appear in court as ordered, the judge will likely issue a warrant for your arrest. Law enforcement then has permission to search for and arrest you – at your home, workplace, or any public place. This can be embarrassing for both you and your family members and could affect your reputation in the community. Failing to appear in court as ordered can also affect the terms of your release.
If you initially were released on your own recognizance, the judge could change the conditions of your release and require you to post bail. If you were originally required to post bail, the judge could substantially increase your bail amount. The judge also has the power to order you to remain in jail until your next court hearing.
In addition to a bench warrant, you can be charged with Failure to Appear under California Penal Code 1320 PC. Misdemeanor Failure to Appear convictions carry penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Felony convictions carry a sentence of up to three years in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. An attorney in Corona could help someone prepare for the legal process after receiving a failure to appear charge.
Many people think missing a court date is no big deal and that no real consequences will come of it. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The consequences are harsh and could result in a permanent criminal record if not resolved. One of our experienced defense lawyers in Corona may utilize several legal arguments to help avoid a conviction for failure to appear. Circumstances beyond your control can prove to be effective in explaining the missed court date. A few examples include an accident, serious illness, or a natural disaster. Not receiving a notice to appear in the mail is not a valid defense. It is your responsibility to notify the court of any address changes. If you moved and did not inform the court, you will not be excused from missing your court-ordered appearance.
If you missed a required court appearance, we urge you to speak with one of our leading Corona failure to appear lawyers. At the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry, our defense attorneys know exactly how these cases are handled in this area. Our skilled attorneys have the experience as well as strong relationships with local prosecutors and judges that greatly assist us in having these matters resolved favorably. Contact our legal team today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We could review your case’s specifics and immediately begin working to avoid an arrest or conviction.
(888) 444-7210