You may receive orders to appear in court if you have received a traffic ticket or have been charged with a crime. Criminal charges may result in several court appearances during your case, including:
- Arraignment
- Pre-trial conference
- Hearing
- Trial
- Sentencing
A summons, also called a notice, serves as your court order to appear on a specific day at a set time. Missing your court date in Kentucky can result in severe consequences, even additional criminal charges. The Dickman Law Offices understands that mistakes can occur, and we know how to protect your rights if you have failed to appear in court.
Criminal Charges from Missing Your Court Date in Kentucky
Missing your court date may result in one of the following charges:
- Contempt of court: this charge indicates that you failed to obey a court order and is a misdemeanor charge.
- Failure to appear: a misdemeanor charge that will not necessarily result in severe consequences, but will not improve your standing with the court.
Actions that can be taken for Missing Your Court Date
In addition to the charges you may face, the court may choose to take one of the following actions:
- Bench warrant: this is a warrant for your arrest. Depending on the other charges you face, you may have to remain in custody until your trial.
- Jail sentence and/or fines: a judge may order a jail sentence or fines if you are found guilty of contempt of court or failure to appear.
- Bond revocation or adjustments to your terms of release: If you did not have to post bail, you may have to after missing a court date. If you are out on bail, the judge could increase the amount of your bail or may require you to remain in jail until your trial is complete.
Consult with Dickman Law Offices
Whatever your reasoning may be for missing a court date, consult with the Dickman Law Offices in Kentucky to determine how to best proceed. Our firm will protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment.
Posted in: Criminal Defense