Skipping a scheduled court date in Tulsa can result in severe consequences, including the issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest and the forfeiture of any bail posted on your behalf. Whether due to oversight, fear, or misunderstanding, skipping court is a mistake that can complicate your legal situation significantly. Here’s what you need to know about what happens when you miss court in Tulsa.
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a type of arrest warrant issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court as required. Unlike a warrant issued for a new criminal charge, a bench warrant is specifically for the offense of failing to appear (FTA) or violating a court order.
Once a court issues a bench warrant in Tulsa:
- Law enforcement can arrest you at any time, including during routine traffic stops.
- You may be held in jail until you can appear before a judge.
- Your bond conditions may change, often leading to higher bail amounts or the denial of bond altogether.
Bail Forfeiture: What It Means
If you were released from jail on bail or through a bail bondsman, failing to appear in court can lead to bail forfeiture. This means:
- You may lose the full bail amount you or your bondsman posted.
- If you used a bail bondsman, the bondsman may take legal action against you or any co-signer to recover the funds.
- The court may refuse to release you on bail again, or may set a higher amount.
In some cases, if you act quickly and have a valid reason for missing court, your attorney may be able to file a motion to reinstate bail or set aside the forfeiture.
Criminal Charges for Failure to Appear
In addition to the original charges you’re facing, failing to appear can result in new criminal charges:
- If the original case was a misdemeanor, FTA can be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines.
- If the original case was a felony, FTA can be a felony, carrying up to five years in prison.
This means that even if you were facing relatively minor charges initially, skipping court can escalate your legal troubles significantly.
What to Do If You Missed Court in Tulsa
If you missed your court date, act quickly to minimize the damage:
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. They can assess your situation and advise you on how best to proceed.
- Your attorney may be able to file a motion to recall the bench warrant, explaining your absence to the court.
- If you turn yourself in, it may show the court you are taking responsibility, and resolve the issue more favorably.
The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem. Bench warrants do not expire and will follow you until you resolve them.
Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm
Skipping a court can have serious consequences, including bench warrants, bail forfeiture, additional criminal charges, and even time in jail. If you are in this situation, taking immediate action is key to protecting your rights and avoiding harsher penalties. Whether you missed court due to an emergency or fear, our Tulsa attorneys can help you navigate the process.
If you face a bench warrant or risk of bail forfeiture, call our team at Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm at (918) 416-0358 or contact us online for a consultation with an attorney.