When you’re facing criminal charges, regardless of whether or not you believe the charges against you are legitimate, it’s imperative to ensure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and adhere to the orders imposed by the court so you can fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Unfortunately, if you miss a court date, this can seriously impact the outcome of your case and will likely lead to additional charges. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult times, including the importance of working with Houston criminal defense attorneys to represent you during these complex legal matters.
What Happens if I Miss My Criminal Court Date in Houston?
In the event that you miss a court date in Texas, it’s important to understand what you can expect. This is formally referred to as Failure to Appear. As such, the judge assigned to your case will likely issue a bench warrant, which allows law enforcement to detain and arrest you at any time and any location, including your place of work, home, or during a traffic stop.
In addition to the current criminal charges you can face, you’ll find that failure to appear will result in an additional charge against you. If you are currently facing a misdemeanor offense, this will result in a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. However, if you are facing a felony offense, failure to appear will result in a state jail felony, which carries up to two years in prison.
It’s important to note that failure to appear can impact the court’s case against you. You may find that this impacts your credibility and can result in stricter probation terms and a harsher sentence.
You should also understand that failure to appear is often a violation of the terms and conditions of your bail. As such, because you are in violation, the court will retain the bail you’ve posted.
What Should I Do if I Miss My Date?
In the event you miss your court date, it is critical to take immediate action. While this may not absolve you of your errors, it’s important to understand that the sooner you act, the better it will be for your case.
If you have missed your court date due to an emergency situation, it’s critical to get documentation as quickly as possible. Valid excuses the court may accept include emergency medical issues, a car accident on the way to the court, a clerical error, or even a death in your immediate family.
When you miss a court date, ensuring you connect with an experienced attorney is critical. They can contact the court on your behalf to ask them to withdraw the warrant and schedule a time for you to turn yourself in.
As you can see, taking a missed court date seriously is critical. That is why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you fight for the best possible outcome during these matters. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more.