Life has a way of throwing curveballs our way that we can’t see coming; doubly so when you are out on bond and cannot make your scheduled court date. If you miss your day in court, you stare down a slew of undesirable scenarios that usually end in warrants, losing out on any collateral for the bond, and finding yourself in handcuffs. Making your court date at all costs is in your best interest; however, certain life events create so much havoc that you absolutely cannot get to the court on that day. Your next question becomes, “how can I get my court date rescheduled so I avoid breaking my felony or minor crime bail bond?” Fortunately for you, Freedom Fast Bail Bonds have the answers!
What Happens If I Fail to Appear in Court?
Failure to make your day in court results in a long list of consequences, all of which are bad for you. The following infographic goes into some detail about these consequences:
If you don’t show up for your court date, the judge can and most likely will issue a warrant for your arrest. They can also find you in contempt of court and issue an additional jail sentence or fines to add to your potential sentence. Depending on the state you live in, the courts can also get your license suspended. Pennsylvania is one of these states.
Finally, if you miss your day in court, you will be found to have broken your bond, and your bondsman will come to collect on what you owe. The conditions of your release can become subject to change as a result of your actions. After you’re arrested for the bench warrant, your bail will most likely skyrocket or become much more stringent. However, there are some valid reasons to miss your court date and avoid these dire consequences.
What Qualifies as a Valid Excuse to Miss Court?
There is little wiggle room for you to get the date moved when it comes to mandated court appearances and bail hearings. However, while the court system remains largely rigid and resistant to change, some instances prove a viable reason to miss it. Dire medical emergencies involving yourself or your immediate family, an accident causing bodily injury, being in custody for another crime, or a death in the family can all be considered valid reasons. However, if you are trying to get your court date changed, you’ll want to notify the courts of the developments that have prevented you from appearing before the judge as soon as possible. The more notice you give the courts, the more likely you will have your date switch request granted and not be found to have broken your bail bond in Washington County, PA.
Who Do I Notify?
The best way to avoid being found in contempt of the court and having a bench warrant out for your arrest revolves around letting the right people know of your developing situation. Take steps to notify your lawyer, bondsman, and the courts as soon as possible. Having multiple lines of communication and the receipts to back it up can help avoid some of the more severe legal consequences.
If you are looking to find a cheap bail bondsman in Armstrong County, PA, that will work with you to ensure you make all of your court dates, Freedom Fast Bail Bonds is here to help! Contact our team to learn more today!