What Happens If I Miss a Court Date? Your Guide to the Consequences

 

Missing a court date is the last thing you want to happen when you're dealing with legal issues. With so much on your plate, it's understandable how you might forget or overlook it. However, the consequences of missing your designated court date can be severe. In this guide, we'll walk you through what happens if you miss a court date and some of the consequences you might face. 

1. Your Bail Will Be Forfeited 

If you are out on bail and miss your court date, you will forfeit your bail. The courts take an appearance for granted, and if you miss it, you give the court no choice but to revoke the bond. This means the bail that was posted to secure your release is now forfeited. You will have to repay the bond agent for the full amount they posted, regardless of whether you’re guilty or innocent. 

2. You'll Need to Reimburse the Amount Spent on Your Bail to Your Bail Bondsman 

The bail bond agent is responsible for paying the full bail amount to the court. If you miss your court date, your bond agent will ask for his or her money back, which means you will handle the repayment. This can cause severe financial strain on you and your family, especially if you are unable to pay the full amount right away. 

3. You'll Have a Bench Warrant 

One thing that happens when you miss a court date is that the court issues a bench warrant. A bench warrant is an order issued by a judge that allows the arrest and detaining of someone suspected of a crime. This means that law enforcement officers will be looking for you, and you may be arrested at any time. 

4. Further Fines and Possible Jail Sentences 

When you miss your court date or skip bail, the courts may decide to impose fines depending on the crime you are accused of committing. Depending on the severity of the offense, you may also face the possibility of being sentenced to jail time. 

In conclusion, missing a court date can have serious legal consequences. You could lose your bail, have to pay large sums of money to your bail bondsman, or even face arrest. Consult with your attorney and court agents to ensure you are prepared and remember your court date.  

 

When you or your loved one winds up in jail, your first call should be to Alabama Bail Bonds. We understand how stressful it can be trying to navigate the bail bonds process. Count on a licensed bail bondsman to make the process as easy as possible for you. 

Alabama Bail Bonds 
1322 Hargrove Rd. Suite B 
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 
(205) 339-7109 
https://www.alabailbonds.com