If you have been charged with a DUI in South Carolina, it’s crucial that you show up for your scheduled court appearance. Unfortunately, sometimes circumstances prevent us from fulfilling our obligations.
We’ll explain the consequences of failure to appear in court. Additionally, we’ll discuss how a Greenville DUI defense attorney can help you if something comes up that may make you miss your court date.
What Is Failure to Appear in Court?
When you are scheduled to appear in court for a DUI case, you must show up on the appointed day and time. You must attend your initial court date and any subsequent hearings or trials. If you have been summoned or subpoenaed and don’t attend your scheduled court appearance without reasonable justification, it’s known as failure to appear in court.
Failure to appear in court is a serious offense that can result in additional charges being brought against you and may even lead to an arrest warrant being issued. Failure to appear is considered contempt of court and carries harsh penalties.
What to Do If You Cannot Appear in Court on the Appointed Day
Unpredictable events and incidents, such as a family emergency or an illness, happen all the time. If you find yourself unable to attend your scheduled DUI court hearing due to unexpected circumstances, it’s important not to panic.
The first step is to contact the court as soon as possible. This can be done by calling the clerk’s office or your attorney. Explain your situation and provide any relevant documentation such as a doctor’s note or travel itinerary if necessary.
It may be possible for the court to reschedule your hearing for a later date when you are able to attend. However, it’s crucial that you take action before the appointed day arrives. Failure to notify the court of your absence could result in additional charges and penalties.
If there is a chance you may be unable to appear in court, contact an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer in advance.
Consequences of Failure to Appear for Your DUI Case
Failure to appear in court for a DUI case can have serious consequences. First and foremost, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means that law enforcement officials will actively search for you and take you into custody.
You could face fines, community service hours, or even jail time. Additionally, if you were released on bail or bond prior to missing your court date, that money may be forfeited.
The impact of failure to appear extends beyond legal consequences. Your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked indefinitely until the matter is resolved in court. This can make it difficult for you to travel or commute to work.
Furthermore, failing to show up in court can damage your reputation both personally and professionally. Potential employers or landlords may view this as a red flag when considering whether or not to hire or rent to you.
It’s important to take any necessary steps ahead of time if there is a chance that you cannot attend your scheduled court appearance. Contacting an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer who understands the local courts’ procedures can help ensure that all parties are informed of any changes in advance.
How to Proceed If You Already Missed a Court Date
Missing a court date can have serious consequences, especially if you are facing DUI charges in South Carolina. It is important to take immediate action and try to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
The first thing you should do is contact your DUI defense lawyer in Greenville. They may be able to help you by filing a motion to quash the bench warrant or rescheduling your court appearance.
It’s also important that you don’t ignore the issue thinking it will go away on its own. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to address the problem. You could face additional penalties or even time in jail.
If you missed your court date due to circumstances beyond your control, such as being hospitalized or detained by law enforcement elsewhere, make sure that you provide evidence of this when contacting your lawyer.
Your attorney is there to help guide you through this process and work towards resolving any legal issues related to missing your court date for a DUI charge in South Carolina.
The Effects of a Bench Warrant in South Carolina
Once the judge issued a bench warrant, it becomes part of your criminal record, which can affect future job opportunities and other aspects of your life. Additionally, if you are stopped by law enforcement for any reason and they discover the active bench warrant, you will likely be arrested on the spot.
Furthermore, failing to appear in court can result in additional charges being filed against you – such as Contempt of Court or Failure to Appear – both of which can carry additional penalties.
It’s important to note that simply paying bail or fines does not resolve an active bench warrant. You must turn yourself in to law enforcement and appear before the judge to address the underlying issue.
Ignoring a bench warrant will only lead to more problems down the road. It’s essential to seek legal counsel from an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer who can help you navigate these complex legal proceedings and protect your rights throughout the process.
A Greenville DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help You Navigate This Difficult Process!
Dealing with a DUI charge is already stressful, but missing your court date can make it even more overwhelming. The consequences of failure to appear are significant. However, you don’t have to navigate this difficult process alone.
If you’re facing a bench warrant or need guidance on how to proceed after missing a court date for your DUI case, seeking help from an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer is crucial. We can provide legal advice and represent you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.
Don’t let failure to appear in court due to an unforeseen situation ruin your chances of successfully resolving your DUI case. Contact The Bateman Law Firm anytime 24/7 at 864-881-7070 for a free consultation!