Myrtle Beach Failure to Appear Lawyer

If you have been charged with a crime, appearing in court at your scheduled hearings is not optional. Failing to show up when required by the court is a serious matter, potentially leading to an additional criminal offense. The good news is that our dedicated criminal defense attorneys might be able to help.

Whether you had an unavoidable emergency or simply forgot to put the date on your calendar, our team can work with you to resolve any warrants for your arrest, on top of additional criminal charges. Talk to a Myrtle Beach failure to appear lawyer today to get started.

Common Reasons for Failing to Appear in Court

While everyone’s circumstances are different, a few situations commonly lead to missed court dates. The reality is that many people simply forget, particularly when it comes to traffic-related offenses. While these charges might be minor, missing a court date is a serious issue in any situation.

For others, missing a court date is unavoidable due to a family emergency. This might involve anything from a serious illness to a major injury. In other cases, a person might even fail to appear because they are in the custody of law enforcement in a different jurisdiction. Our Myrtle Beach failure to appear attorneys can help unravel exactly what happened in your case.

Potential Consequences for Missing a Court Date

Failing to appear in court can have serious consequences. When a defendant misses a required appearance, the judge can issue a bench warrant for their arrest. This means law enforcement can detain you at any time, even during a routine traffic stop.

A failure to appear charge may also lead to additional criminal penalties, such as fines, jail time, or an increase in bail if the case proceeds as a trial in absence (TIA). In some cases, the court may treat the missed date as contempt of court, further compounding legal trouble.

Beyond criminal penalties, missing court can damage a defendant’s credibility with the judge, weaken their case, and make it harder to negotiate favorable plea deals or sentencing terms. Promptly addressing a failure to appear is essential to minimize these lasting consequences.

How Can I Deal With a Bench Warrant?

Missing a court date is a serious matter, and you should take immediate steps to make things right. Before you do anything else, it is crucial that you talk through your options following a failure to appear with a Myrtle Beach attorney. Our firm understands how to resolve these issues, from criminal charges to bench warrants.

There is no time to delay when working to address a missed court date. In some situations, your attorney might be able to resolve the issue before a warrant is actually issued to law enforcement. This is especially true if you are able to contact an attorney on the day of your scheduled court appearance.

In some cases, it might be possible for your attorney to contact the prosecution and informally work to have any FTA charges re-opened, in addition to the bench warrant being dismissed. If the warrant is already active, it may be necessary to file a motion with the court and request a hearing.

Talk to an Attorney in Myrtle Beach About Failing to Appear in Court

Missed a court date? Our team is ready to help. Contact a Myrtle Beach failure to appear lawyer as soon as possible for a confidential consultation. We can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your charges and help you plan out your next steps.