Thinking about skipping a court date? Think again.
By law, defendants are required to appear in court in person at all scheduled settings. Failure to appear, also known as bail jumping, is a serious, separate criminal offense that can result in severe consequences. Oversleeping, working, or forgetting are not legitimate excuses for not showing up in court.
If you are facing allegations of missing a court date, it’s important to contact a skilled lawyer for help.
Unlike many aspects of criminal law, the elements of this criminal offense are straightforward. According to Texas Penal Code 38.10, bail jumping and failure to appear are defined as: “A person lawfully released from custody, with or without bail, on condition that he subsequently appear commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly fails to appear in accordance of his release.”
Several things can happen if you fail to appear in court. The judge can issue a warrant for your arrest and your bond may be forfeited – meaning you lose the money or collateral put up for your release from jail on the original charge.
Additionally, a separate criminal charge of failure to appear can be brought against you. The penalty for jumping bail depends on the type of crime for which you were originally charged. For example, if you fail to appear for a misdemeanor offense, the penalty will be less severe than skipping a court date for a felony charge. The charges and penalties for failure to appear include:
Freedom is often short lived for individuals who intentionally skip court. Once the judge issues a warrant, the defendant’s name will be added to a warrant database that law enforcement officials can access during traffic stops, at border crossings or even at the airport. Not to mention, bondsmen, bounty hunters and U.S. Marshals may actively look for bail jumpers, especially those who are charged with a felony.
The takeaway is this: Being accused of a crime is frightening, but a court date is one appointment you don’t want to miss.
Although judges often react swiftly and harshly to missed court appearances, the law recognizes that, at times, there are valid excuses for failing to appear. The statute includes two specific defenses that, if successfully argued, could result in an excused absence:
A knowledgeable Fort Worth failure to appear lawyer can assess the specifics of your case and determine how to best proceed. We can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
By: Vernon C.
300 Throckmorton St Suite 1650 Fort Worth TX 76102 Phone: (817) 203-2220 Rating: ★★★★★
5 / 5 stars
Thinking about skipping a court date? Think again.
By law, defendants are required to appear in court in person at all scheduled settings. Failure to appear, also known as bail jumping, is a serious, separate criminal offense that can result in severe consequences. Oversleeping, working, or forgetting are not legitimate excuses for not showing up in court.
If you are facing allegations of missing a court date, it's important to contact a skilled lawyer for help.Unlike many aspects of criminal law, the elements of this criminal offense are straightforward. According to Texas Penal Code 38.10, bail jumping and failure to appear are defined as: “A person lawfully released from custody, with or without bail, on condition that he subsequently appear commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly fails to appear in accordance of his release.”
Several things can happen if you fail to appear in court. The judge can issue a warrant for your arrest and your bond may be forfeited – meaning you lose the money or collateral put up for your release from jail on the original charge.
Additionally, a separate criminal charge of failure to appear can be brought against you. The penalty for jumping bail depends on the type of crime for which you were originally charged. For example, if you fail to appear for a misdemeanor offense, the penalty will be less severe than skipping a court date for a felony charge. The charges and penalties for failure to appear include:
Freedom is often short lived for individuals who intentionally skip court. Once the judge issues a warrant, the defendant’s name will be added to a warrant database that law enforcement officials can access during traffic stops, at border crossings or even at the airport. Not to mention, bondsmen, bounty hunters and U.S. Marshals may actively look for bail jumpers, especially those who are charged with a felony.
The takeaway is this: Being accused of a crime is frightening, but a court date is one appointment you don’t want to miss.
Although judges often react swiftly and harshly to missed court appearances, the law recognizes that, at times, there are valid excuses for failing to appear. The statute includes two specific defenses that, if successfully argued, could result in an excused absence:
