Scottsdale Failure to Appear Lawyer

Scottsdale Failure to Appear Attorney

An allegation that you have failed to appear before a criminal court is a serious matter. Not only can these charges have a profound impact on the criminal case that required you to appear in the first place, but not appearing can also be a separate criminal charge that comes with its own penalties. If you are accused of missing your court date, it is vital to obtain legal help as quickly as possible.

Contacting a Scottsdale failure to appear lawyer can help lessen the impact of an alleged missed court date. A seasoned attorney at the Grand Canyon Law Group can argue that there was a legitimate reason for failing to appear and that new charges are inappropriate. We could also present information that convinces a court to keep all current bail conditions.

FAILURE TO APPEAR ON CRIMINAL CHARGES IS A NEW OFFENSE UNDER STATE LAW

A summons from a criminal court carry the full weight of the law. This means that anyone summoned must appear at the time and place dictated by the court.

Failing to do so is a new criminal charge that operates independently of the case at the center of the alleged failure to appear. According to Arizona Revised Statute § 13-2506, failing to appear to answer for a misdemeanor or petty offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction can bring a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.

Failing to appear for a felony charge is even more serious. AZ Rev. Stat. § 13-2507 makes this offense a Class 5 felony. If there are mitigating factors present in the case, a jail sentence may be as short as six months. Aggravating factors could lengthen the maximum penalty to 2.5 years. A Scottsdale attorney can provide more information about the requirements to appear in court and the possible consequences for violations.

IMPACT OF MISSING A COURT DATE ON YOUR CASE

While failing to appear before a court is a separate criminal offense, it can also affect a current case. If the requirement to appear is for an arraignment and a person does not appear, a court will be less willing to issue bail in the future. If a person is already out on bail, the court can rescind that offer and order that they remain in jail for the length of their case.

In any event, failing to appear will result in the court issuing a bench warrant. This authorizes any police officer to make an immediate arrest. Clearly, it is vital to address these matters as soon as possible. Our Scottsdale lawyers are ready to hear a defendant’s side of the story for why they missed court. We could fight for a scheduled appearance that eliminates the need for a warrant and work to convince a court to continue current bail conditions.

CONTACT A SCOTTSDALE FAILURE TO APPEAR ATTORNEY NOW

Criminal courts in Scottsdale and throughout the rest of the state have the power to compel a defendant to appear before a judge. This can be for an initial arraignment, a status hearing, or a final trial. Failing to appear can have disastrous consequences, including the forfeiture of bail or even new criminal charges. If you think that you have missed a date in court, it is vital that you obtain help.

A Scottsdale failure to appear lawyer can provide the assistance you need to avoid serious consequences. The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group can explain your absence and present evidence before the court. Ideally, this can lead to the court reinstating bail, canceling a warrant, and convincing a prosecutor not to pursue new criminal charges. Reach out to us now to explore your options.

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