What to Do If You Miss a Court Date

By Sullivan Rice

Life can be unpredictable, and balancing various obligations is challenging. If one of those obligations is a court appearance and you miss it—whether due to a work commitment, car trouble, illness, or simply forgetting—it's crucial to take action immediately.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

The first step is to reach out to your criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. If you don’t have one, now is the time to hire a lawyer, especially if you’re facing serious charges. An experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney can help navigate the situation and advise you on your next steps.

2. Understand the Court’s Possible Actions

Missing a court date can lead to several potential outcomes:

- Rescheduled Hearing: In some cases, the judge may simply reschedule your hearing with no immediate consequences. This is more likely in minor cases or early in the process.

- Warrant for Arrest: The judge might issue a warrant for your arrest and set a bail amount. You will need to either pay the bail or turn yourself in. Once you do, the warrant will be quashed and a new court date set.

- Body-Only Warrant: In more serious cases, a body-only warrant may be issued, meaning you must turn yourself in to the jail without the option to post bail. Your lawyer may still be able to help mitigate some of the consequences, but there are limits to what can be done.

3. Act Quickly

The sooner you inform your attorney about missing the court date, the better. Being upfront allows them to prepare and potentially minimize the damage. If your lawyer knows about your situation in advance, they can better advocate on your behalf. If you don't have an attorney, contact Court Administration in the county where the charge is pending as soon as possible.

4. Avoid Missing Court in the Future

The best approach is to attend all court dates as scheduled. If you encounter a problem that prevents you from attending, notify your attorney immediately. They can help address the issue and potentially prevent further complications.

Choose the Best Representation

Jack Rice is a Minnesota Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, former prosecutor, and nationally recognized criminal defense attorney. As the founder of Jack Rice Defense, a premier criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota, he offers expert legal representation and support. For a free confidential consultation, contact Jack Rice Defense at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.