If you have been charged with a crime, you need to comply with the law. This means attending all court hearings. This is especially important. If you need to be at court on a certain date and time, you better do what you can to make sure you can attend. Take the day off work. Arrange for babysitting if you have kids. Clear your schedule of any other appointments. Make sure you have reliable transportation so you can get to the courthouse on time.
Yes, having to go to court can be a major inconvenience, but it is the law. Even if you have been charged with a seemingly minor crime like a misdemeanor, you still need to show up for court.
The courts are busy, and they have a date and time reserved especially for you. When you do not show up at your scheduled time, the court takes this seriously. If you miss your court date, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest. This means you could be arrested and put in jail. You may have to pay fines as well. If you are charged with a traffic case and miss your court date, your driver’s license could be suspended. Not being able to drive could affect your life in many ways.
If you know ahead of time that you will not be able to make a court date, do not simply ignore it. Instead, be proactive and contact the court. Let them know your situation, and they can reschedule your date. It is best if you can make your rescheduling request at least five days before your scheduled court date. The sooner, the better. Courts can get booked up quickly, and it is best to give them as much advance notice as possible.
What if I Had an Emergency?
Life happens. Even if you fully intend to attend the court hearing, something unexpected could happen. Maybe you got in a serious car accident on the way to the courthouse. Perhaps a loved one suffered a medical emergency.
In these cases, the judge may be understanding. They will likely consider the circumstances of your missed court date and waive any penalties. However, you will need to prove why you missed the court hearing. You must provide documentation of why you missed the court date. Evidence may include medical records or a police report.
What if I Simply Did Not Show Up?
If you did not show up to your court hearing, contact a lawyer right away. Your lawyer can determine the reason why you failed to appear and have the penalties reduced or thrown out. In addition, your lawyer can protect your legal rights.
Contact Our Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
Court dates are important to attend when you have been accused of a crime. Try not to miss them, or else you could face enhanced penalties.
The Georgia criminal defense lawyers at Ghanayem & Rayasam can give you the advice you need to put your case in the best light possible. Call (404) 561-0202 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.