Missing a court date in Minnesota—whether for a criminal, traffic, or civil case—can lead to serious legal consequences. Failing to appear can result in a bench warrant, additional charges, and even jail time. If you’ve missed a court date, it’s important to take immediate action.
Consequences of Missing a Court Date
1. Bench Warrant Issued
The judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest, meaning law enforcement can arrest you at any time, including during a traffic stop.
2. Bail Forfeiture & Higher Bail Amount
If you posted bail, you may forfeit it entirely and have to pay a higher bail amount to be released again.
3. Driver’s License Suspension
For certain offenses (like DWI or driving without insurance), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety can suspend your license for failure to appear.
4. Additional Criminal Charges
Failing to Appear (FTA) can lead to a separate misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charge with fines and jail time.
5.Worsened Legal Standing in Your Case
Judges take missed court dates seriously, making it harder to secure a favorable plea deal or reduced sentence.
What to Do If You Missed Your Court Date
- Act Fast – The longer you wait, the worse the consequences may be.
- Contact the Court – Call the clerk’s office to see if a bench warrant was issued.
- File a Motion to Quash the Warrant – A defense attorney can file a motion to cancel the warrant and reschedule your court date.
- Turn Yourself In (With Legal Representation) – If a warrant is active, having an attorney by your side can help you avoid unnecessary jail time.
- Explain the Absence – In some cases, valid reasons (such as a medical emergency) may convince the judge to recall the warrant without penalty.
How an Attorney Can Help
Mark D. Kelly can assist in:
- Preventing your arrest by filing the appropriate motions
- Negotiating with the court to reschedule your hearing
- Arguing against additional charges related to failing to appear
If you’ve missed a court date in Minnesota, don’t wait—call Mark D. Kelly today to protect yourself from further legal trouble.
