Atlanta Failure to Appear Lawyer

Failing to appear in court as required can happen for various reasons, from honest mistakes and family emergencies to car problems. Regardless of the cause, you must correct the issue immediately to prevent additional legal problems, including more charges on top of the ones you previously faced. 

Further, police officers will detain you if they pull you over for traffic violations or if you encounter them for any reason. While missing a court hearing can cause anxiety and worry, taking action with an experienced criminal defense attorney to prevent further charges is the most effective way to protect yourself from additional charges and penalties. Call today to work with an Atlanta failure to appear lawyer.

Failure to Appear Hearings

When someone misses a court date and does not contact the court to make arrangements, the court will schedule a hearing to explain the reason for failing to appear to the judge. According to the guidance of the United States District Court of Georgia, penalties may include paying fines of up to $1,000, community service requirements, or spending up to three days in jail. In some cases, and depending on the specifics, the judge may order a combination of all three. The charge can also appear on your criminal record, causing increased penalties and other problems in the future.

Bench Warrants 

The court may also issue bench warrants when someone misses a scheduled court date. While they are similar to arrest warrants, the authorities usually do not search for the individual or visit their home to arrest and detain them. 

However, the person’s name goes into the state’s computer system, and if they encounter police officers for any reason, they could face arrest. They may also suspend your driver’s license until you resolve the case by appearing in court. An Atlanta attorney could research your case, determine if there are warrants or upcoming hearings, and help determine the best actions to resolve the case and move forward.

The Criminal Statute in Georgia

At the end of the business day, judges may choose to forfeit bonds to issue a bench warrant for anyone who failed to appear in court that day. Per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated  § 17-6-71, the judge will schedule a hearing no sooner than 120 days but no later than 150 days for the individual to appear before the court. 

Even so, it is in the best interest of the individual to contact a knowledgeable lawyer in Atlanta to resolve the issue of failing to appear immediately. They could speak to the court on your behalf and request the court to withdraw the hearing requirement or bench warrant to avoid penalties, including fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension.

Resolving Warrants and Driver’s License Reinstatement

A court hearing may be necessary when there are outstanding warrants or the court suspends your driver’s license. We could review your case specifics and work with the state to reach a quick and favorable outcome in your case. 

Schedule a Consultation With a Seasoned Failure to Appear Attorney in Atlanta

Everyone makes mistakes, and you can resolve failure to appear cases quickly and without additional charges by taking action immediately. However, failing to act could result in more charges, harsher sentencing, or an additional conviction for missing court on your permanent criminal record. 

Schedule a consultation with a qualified Atlanta failure to appear lawyer for help with a case and to review your options. Call today to learn more and schedule an appointment immediately.