In Florida, failure to appear for a Court date is a serious offense. No matter the reason for a missed scheduling—whether you simply forgot the date of your Hearing or had to deal with an external conflict—there might still be severe consequences. If you were accused of missing a day at court, speaking with a Hollywood failure to appear lawyer may prove to be beneficial.
After a charge, you might have questions and concerns about how to proceed, as well as about the potential penalties you may face. By retaining a dedicated defense attorney from Leifert & Leifert, you could have a knowledgeable guide through each step of the legal process.
What Happens After Failure to Appear in Court?
Following a failure to appear for a court date, a Judge might issue a warrant for your arrest. Because of the nature of such warrants, you may be unaware that an arrest might occur, which could be just as frightening as facing any consequences you may have been initially charged with.
In this kind of situation, there are different options a judge may choose depending on the nature of the underlying offense. For example, if an individual was released on bail following a Felony charge, they may face greater consequences and more significant pursuit than someone released after a Misdemeanor charge.
The specific nuances of a failure to appear and any subsequent decisions might be overwhelming for someone without a firm knowledge of the law in Hollywood. As a result, consulting with a seasoned failure to appear lawyer in Hollywood might prove helpful.
Possible Penalties After an Absence from Court in Hollywood
Potentially, a person who has been put on notice but fails to show up for a court date may face many consequences, including bond forfeiture, a first-degree Misdemeanor charge, or even a third-degree felony charge. The specific penalties generally depend on the nature of the original offense.
Usually, if the underlying offense was a misdemeanor, then an individual who fails to appear would face a first-degree Misdemeanor charge for a failure to appear. This charge could result in a fine upon conviction, as well as jail time not to exceed one year.
Alternatively, failure to appear may be classified as a third-degree Felony if the underlying offense was a Felony. An individual may face up to five years in jail in addition to a fine for a conviction on this charge. A Hollywood failure to appear attorney could help assess the unique circumstances of your case and determine what charges you might face.
Are there Legitimate Reasons for Missing Court?
Penalties for failure to appear might be avoided by requesting a different hearing date if you were unable to attend. In the event of an emergency, for example, you may have a justifiable absence.
Additional reasons might include lack of notice, meaning the Court neglected to properly notify you of your court summons. This may also be the fault of a postal service or another communication system.
Contact a Hollywood Failure to Appear Attorney for Help
Each step of facing a criminal charge can be intimidating and overwhelming. However, waiting for an arrest to occur as a result of a failure to appear might make the situation even worse.
If you missed your day in court for any reason, you should consult with a Hollywood failure to appear lawyer sooner rather than later. To learn more about your legal options and how you may proceed, call the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert for a free consultation and case review today.
