What Happens if I Fail to Appear in Court?

Failure to Appear in Court in Ohio

Have you been issued a notice to appear in court? When you are summoned, you are required to appear before the court for many reasons. This can happen any time you are facing some type of criminal charge, such as a DWI/OVI, a theft crime, and even if you have received a ticket for a moving violation.

The courts may be requesting you to appear for a trial; if this is the case, then you should be given instructions to appear at the scheduled date and time. If you are not present at this appointed time, then you could face another criminal charge against you: failure to appear in court.

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Ohio Consequences of Failing to Appear

In Ohio, it is a mistake to think that snot appearing in court will make the charges go away. The courts will not “forget” that there is a charge against you, and a judge may even issue a bench warrant, especially if you had already acknowledged that you will appear in court for an arraignment.

If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you could face the following:

• Your driver’s license may be suspended
• You may be held in contempt of court
• If you are pulled over for any other reason, the police can run a check on your driver’s license and discover that a warrant has been issued
• You can be detained or sent to jail
• The courts may deny issuing bail
• You may pay fines

Defenses to Failing to Appear

Upon review of your case, our Cleveland defense attorneys can investigate the matter. There may be many defenses to raise. The court must determine you had proper notice and willfully did not come for you to be charged with failure to appear in court.

Notice to appear includes notice by mail to the address in your court records or your attorney. You are held responsible for keeping the court informed of your current address. If you fail to do so, this will not be an excuse for your failure to appear.

Was your failure to appear a willful action? If you do not appear at court due to illness, accident, natural disaster, or some other circumstance out of your control, that may be a defense for failure to appear charges.

Retain a Lawyer Now!

Receiving word that you have been charged with “failure to appear in court” is news that no one ever wants to hear. However, if you do find yourself facing this, you have every right to retain legal representation and fight any charges that have no basis. As Cleveland criminal defense attorneys, we have built up an exceptional track record over the years defending clients who have been accused of serious criminal offenses.

HMW Law. is available 24/7. Get started with a free consultation. Call216-369-1352 today!