What Happens If You Miss Your Court Date?

Judges impose at least one of two penalties when a court date is missed: a bench warrant, directing law enforcement to arrest you will be issued and/or your bail bond, if you have one, will be revoked.

A judge typically issues a bench warrant and revokes your bond at the time of the scheduled hearing. These orders can take a day or two to work through the system, resulting in a short delay before the warrant is active.

If you legitimately cannot make a court date, notify the judge's administrative assistant immediately. Some valid reasons for not appearing in court as scheduled are a death in your immediate family or a serious health problem afflicting you.