What Should I Do If I Miss Court?
Life happens. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, things can slip through the cracks—sometimes even a court date. Whether you missed your appearance because of a sick child, a flat tire, a work obligation, or simply forgot, the most important thing is what you do next. If you are facing charges, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
Step One: Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney—Immediately
If you’ve missed a court appearance, the very first call you should make is to your criminal defense lawyer. If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to get experienced legal representation—especially if the charges you’re facing are serious. The right attorney can step in quickly, help assess the situation, and work to minimize the damage.
“Missing court doesn’t make the problem go away. It makes it worse.”
What Happens When You Miss Court in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, missing a court date can trigger a range of consequences depending on your case and the judge. Here are the most common outcomes:
The judge continues the hearing to a new date with little to no penalty (this is rare, especially in serious cases).
The judge issues a warrant for your arrest and sets bail—meaning police will be actively looking for you. You may be able to pay the bail to quash the warrant and get a new court date.
The judge issues a “body-only” warrant—which means no bail is allowed, and you must turn yourself in to resolve the warrant.
While a skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to advocate on your behalf and work to reduce the impact, your options narrow the longer you wait.
“The sooner you contact your defense attorney, the better your chances.”
What to Do If You’ve Missed Court
Here’s what you need to remember:
Don’t ignore it. The situation won’t improve on its own.
Be honest with your attorney. If there’s a legitimate reason—like a medical emergency—be prepared to provide documentation.
Act fast. If you don’t have an attorney, contact Court Administration in the county where your case is being heard as soon as possible.
Judges can take missed court appearances personally. Showing that you’re taking the matter seriously—especially with legal counsel at your side—can make a real difference.
Go With Experience. Go With the Best.
Jack Rice is a Minnesota Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist and former prosecutor. As the founder of Jack Rice Defense, he brings nationally recognized expertise to every case he handles. Based in St. Paul, our boutique criminal defense firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for your future.
Call today for a free and confidential consultation:
📞 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339
🌐 JackRiceDefense.com