According to the Bureau of Justice, about one out of three defendants released on bail will fail to appear for a scheduled court date. When this happens, the judge issues a bench warrant. There will be consequences.
What Happens When a Scheduled Court Appearance is Ignored
There are many possible reasons, but the most common reason for skipping a court day is fear. It’s true that a court appearance can have a bad outcome, but not showing up at court guarantees a worse outcome. A bench warrant is issued by the judge.
A letter will arrive from the Sheriff’s Department letting you know that a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest since you failed to appear in court (FTA). You will probably be instructed to turn yourself in. A better alternative is to immediately contact an attorney who knows how to handle warrants in Worcester County, MD. The problem won’t go away.
What Could Happen Because of an Outstanding Bench Warrant
Bench warrants in Worcester County, MD can definitely complicate your life. The information is now part of a National Data Base. Anything that brings the existence of the warrant to the attention of police or security personnel will lead to immediate arrest.
Some situations that could trigger arrest include:
* A traffic stop
* Going through airport security
* A driver’s license renewal
The police will arrest you, handcuff and take you to jail. If this should happen out of state, Maryland is able to extradite you. You could be held for as long as thirty days. It may be necessary to pay a hefty bond to get out of jail again.
You Might Not Even Know About the Warrant
If the court had the wrong address on file, it’s possible that the first time you know about the warrant is when you’re at the airport or DMV and end up getting hauled away in handcuffs. If that should happen, don’t argue with the police or resist arrest. Wait until you’re at the police station and call an attorney immediately.
Marc A. Zeve PA Attorney At Law has more than 25 years of legal experience. He has resolved similar issues numerous times and knows what needs to be done to have the warrant recalled. You won’t have to spend time in jail or forfeit your bond. Visit the website to learn more and schedule an appointment.
