What Happens If I Miss My Michigan Court Date?

Missing a scheduled court date in Michigan can lead to severe consequences. Failing to appear in court can complicate your legal situation, whether it’s due to confusion, an emergency, or simply forgetting. Understanding what happens when you miss a court date and how to resolve it is crucial to minimize potential penalties.

At Ben Hall Law, our East Lansing criminal defense lawyer can help. Here’s what you need to know.

Immediate Consequences of Missing a Court Date in Michigan

When you miss a court appearance, the judge typically issues a bench warrant for your arrest. This type of warrant allows law enforcement to take you into custody immediately if you’re found or stopped for any reason.

Depending on the nature of your original charge, missing a court date can result in additional charges. For example, if you were facing a misdemeanor or felony, failing to appear can be charged as a separate offense, which may increase your penalties.

Other penalties may include:

• Driver’s License Suspension: If your case involves traffic violations or driving offenses, the Michigan Secretary of State may suspend your driver’s license until you resolve your missed court date. Driving on a suspended license could lead to further legal issues.
• Forfeiture of Bond: If you posted a bond to secure your release, missing your court date can result in the forfeiture of that bond. This means you lose the money you posted and might be required to post a new bond, which could be set at a higher amount.

What to Do If You Miss Your Michigan Court Date

Your first step should be to contact your criminal defense attorney. They can provide guidance on how to handle the situation, potentially prevent the warrant from being executed, and work to minimize any legal consequences.

If you do not have an attorney, contact Ben Hall Law immediately and let our East Lansing criminal defense lawyer walk you through the next steps of the legal process.

They include:

• Turning Yourself In: While this may sound daunting, turning yourself in voluntarily can demonstrate good faith and help your defense. Doing so promptly can often result in more favorable outcomes, such as a quick bond release or a re-scheduled court date.
• Request a Hearing to Recall the Warrant: Our attorney can file a motion to recall the bench warrant and request a hearing to explain why you missed your court date. Providing documentation of an emergency or valid reason for missing the appearance can increase the chances of having the warrant dismissed.
• Explain Your Absence: We will explain why you missed the original date at the hearing. A legitimate reason, like a medical emergency, car accident, or confusion about the court date, can help your case. We can help you provide evidence to support your explanation.

Attending all future appearances is crucial once we’ve resolved your missed court date. To ensure you don’t miss another date, consider using a calendar app with reminders, setting multiple alarms, or arranging transportation in advance.

Failing to appear disrupts court proceedings and signals to the judge that you might be trying to evade responsibility. This can influence the judge’s perception of your case and lead to harsher penalties if you are convicted.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan Today

If you’ve missed a court date, don’t wait—contact our knowledgeable Michigan criminal defense attorney to help you address the problem, clear the warrant, and protect your legal rights. Call (877)-236-4255 or contact us online. Your fight is our fight. Let’s get started.