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What Will Happen if I Miss my Court Date in New York?

After being arrested for a crime in New York there is a chance that you will be released from detainment through either your own recognizance or bail. Whether you pay to be released until your hearing or are let out without bail, you are required to appear in court and comply with all rules set by the court. If you miss your court date you can face various legal repercussions and penalties. If you have missed your court date and require legal representation reach out to a skillful Clarkstown criminal defense attorney today.

What Happens if I Miss my Court Date in NY?

If you miss a court date in New York you can face additional criminal issues on top of your original charges. For example, a judge may issue a bench warrant, your criminal penalties can be enhanced, or you could face additional charges for bail jumping.

What is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant is a warrant for an individual’s arrest that a judge may issue during court when the defendant fails to appear. This warrant authorizes law enforcement to go out right then and there and find and arrest the defendant before bringing them to court.

What is Bail Jumping?

Bail jumping is the term used to describe failing to appear in court. It is a criminal offense that can be charged after 30 days of an individual missing their court date. New York state law gives defendants a 30-day grace period where they can approach the court to make things right. If action is not taken and the issue is not resolved within 30 days, the defendant can face bail-jumping charges.

What Are the Penalties for Failing to Appear in Court?

If you are being charged with a criminal offense you should always obtain skilled representation. This is especially true if you have missed a court date. It is important to have an advocate on your side who you know is looking out for your best interests.

A bench warrant, failure to appear, and bail-jumping charges can lead to serious consequences so having a skilled attorney is crucial. For example, if you received a ticket to appear in court and did not show up, you can face up to 15 days in jail.

However, bail jumping is a more serious crime. You can be charged with third-degree bail jumping for failing to appear for any criminal charge. This is a Class A misdemeanor crime and can be punished by a $1,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail.

If you miss a court date for felony charges it is a class E felony and punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to 4 years in prison.

If your charges are for a Class A or B felony and you fail to appear you can be charged with first-degree bail jumping which is a Class D non-violent felony. For this offense, you can face a $5,000 fine and up to 7 years in prison.

To avoid these harsh penalties and ensure your rights are protected, reach out to an experienced attorney today.

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