Failure to Appear Charges for Minor Offenses: Why You Should Take Them Seriously
Missing a court date might seem like a minor oversight, especially if it’s for a seemingly insignificant offense like a traffic violation or misdemeanor. However, in Georgia, failing to appear in court can lead to serious consequences, even if the underlying charge is minor. At The Spizman Firm , we’ve seen how failure to appear charges can escalate quickly, creating unnecessary legal challenges for individuals who might have simply forgotten or misunderstood their obligations.
What Is a Failure to Appear Charge?
A failure to appear (FTA) charge is issued when an individual misses a scheduled court appearance without prior notice or a valid excuse. Georgia courts treat FTAs seriously because showing up for court is a fundamental requirement of the legal process. Whether the initial offense was a speeding ticket or a low-level misdemeanor, failing to appear sends a message to the court that you’re disregarding its authority—intentionally or not.
Consequences of Failure to Appear
Even if the original offense was minor, the penalties for failing to appear can have a major impact. These consequences may include:
- Bench Warrant: When you miss a court date, the judge typically issues a bench warrant for your arrest. This means law enforcement can arrest you at any time, including during routine traffic stops.
- License Suspension: For traffic-related offenses, the Georgia Department of Driver Services may suspend your driver’s license if you fail to appear in court. This can make daily life, including commuting to work or school, significantly more challenging.
- Additional Charges and Fines: Failing to appear can lead to additional charges, such as contempt of court, which often carry separate fines and penalties. You may also have to pay court fees for rescheduling your appearance.
- Impact on Your Criminal Record: An FTA charge becomes part of your record, which can affect future legal proceedings, job applications, and even housing opportunities.
- Potential Jail Time: In some cases, especially if you have a history of FTAs or other legal infractions, a judge may impose jail time for failing to appear.
Why Addressing FTAs Is Critical
Ignoring an FTA doesn’t make the problem go away; it often makes things worse. The sooner you address a failure to appear charge, the better your chances of resolving it without severe penalties. Proactively reaching out to the court or hiring an experienced defense attorney can demonstrate that you take the matter seriously and want to correct the mistake.
Defenses Against Failure to Appear Charges
Georgia courts may consider valid reasons for missing a court date, such as:
- Lack of Proper Notice: If you were not informed of your court date or if the notice was sent to the wrong address.
- Medical Emergencies: Serious illness or hospitalization can be a valid excuse, provided you have documentation.
- Unavoidable Circumstances: Events like car accidents or other unforeseen emergencies.
Our Atlanta Failure to Appear Lawyers can help you present these defenses and negotiate with the court to minimize penalties.
Take Action Today
If you’ve missed a court date in Georgia, it’s essential to act quickly to resolve the issue. At The Spizman Firm in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs we specialize in defending clients against failure to appear charges, helping them navigate the legal process and protect their rights. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward resolving your legal challenges.
