A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is serious, and so is the responsibility to attend every scheduled court appearance. Missing your DUI court date can lead to additional legal troubles beyond the original charges, making an already stressful situation much worse.
If you’ve missed a DUI court date, or you’re worried about the possibility, it’s important to understand the consequences, potential penalties, and what steps you should take next.
Why Court Dates Matter in DUI Cases
When you’re charged with a DUI, the court schedules dates for:
-
Initial hearings or arraignment
-
Pretrial conferences
-
Trial dates
-
Sentencing hearings
Each date is crucial to moving your case forward. Failing to appear (FTA) at any of these dates can:
-
Delay your case
-
Damage your defense
-
Result in serious penalties like arrest warrants
Judges and prosecutors expect defendants to show up on time and prepared.
What Happens Immediately After Missing Your DUI Court Date?
If you don’t appear on your scheduled date, the judge will usually take the following actions:
1. Issuance of a Bench Warrant
Most courts will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means law enforcement has permission to arrest you and bring you to court. Unlike a search warrant, a bench warrant allows police to arrest you at home, work, or even during routine traffic stops.
2. Additional Charges or Penalties
In some jurisdictions, missing court may lead to additional criminal charges, such as contempt of court or failure to appear. These charges can result in:
-
Fines
-
Jail time
-
Increased bail amounts
3. License Suspension
Because DUI cases involve motor vehicle laws, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may impose a license suspension or revocation for missing court appearances, even before the DUI case is resolved.
How Missing Court Affects Your DUI Case
Skipping a court date can hurt your defense in several ways:
-
Loss of credibility: Judges may see your no-show as disrespect or an attempt to evade justice.
-
Stronger prosecution stance: Prosecutors may push harder for maximum penalties or deny plea bargains.
-
Complicated case resolution: You may need to resolve both the original DUI charge and any penalties related to missing court, which can prolong your case and increase costs.
What to Do If You’ve Missed Your DUI Court Date
If you realize you’ve missed a DUI court date, don’t ignore it. Here’s what to do immediately:
1. Contact an Attorney Right Away
A DUI defense lawyer can help you navigate the fallout. They can:
-
Find out if a bench warrant has been issued
-
File motions to recall or quash the warrant
-
Request a new court date on your behalf
-
Negotiate with prosecutors to minimize additional penalties
2. Turn Yourself In
If a bench warrant has been issued, it’s often better to turn yourself in voluntarily rather than wait to be arrested. Voluntarily surrendering can show good faith to the court.
3. Explain the Reason for Missing Court
Valid reasons like a medical emergency or other unavoidable circumstances can sometimes persuade the judge to be lenient, especially if you act promptly and respectfully.
How to Avoid Missing Future Court Dates
To prevent missing future DUI court dates, consider these tips:
-
Set multiple reminders: Use a calendar app, alarms, or written notes.
-
Keep contact info updated: Notify the court and your attorney if you change your address or phone number.
-
Stay organized: Keep all court documents and notices in a safe place.
-
Use a legal representative: Your attorney can help track court dates and ensure you’re prepared.
Conclusion
Missing your DUI court date can escalate legal troubles quickly. From arrest warrants to additional fines and license suspensions, the consequences are serious. But with prompt action—like contacting a skilled DUI attorney and addressing the issue proactively—you can often minimize the damage.
If you’ve missed your DUI court date or fear you might, don’t wait. Seek legal help immediately to protect your rights and get your case back on track.
