Norwalk Failure to Appear Lawyer

If you miss a court date, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest, so if you’ve missed court, it is a good idea to talk to an experienced Norwalk failure to appear lawyer who can explain your options and advocate on your behalf. A top criminal lawyer can help you clear your record and minimize the potential for negative consequences.

What Are the Penalties for Failure to Appear?

Failure to appear can be treated as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the underlying charge. If you miss court on an underlying felony, a failure to appear charge is treated as a Class D felony under C.G.S. § 53a-172. This type of crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. These penalties are levied in addition to any penalties for the offense connected with the court appearance that was missed.

If you miss court for a misdemeanor, a failure to appear charge will be a misdemeanor as well, specifically a Class A misdemeanor, under C.G.S. § 53a-173. If you are convicted, you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail and a fine as high as $2,000. In addition, the conviction creates a criminal record that can cause problems for years to come.

When you fail to appear in court as ordered, a judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Police are not likely to immediately head out to arrest you, but the warrant remains in the system. At any point in the future, that warrant can lead to an arrest. It is wise to seek help from a failure to appear lawyer in Norwalk who can help address the issue before an arrest occurs or even after an arrest.

Contact a Norwalk Failure to Appear Attorney

If you missed a court date and heard nothing from the court, it is not wise to assume the judge has forgotten the matter or is ignoring your absence. You might receive a letter warning you about the consequences of failure to appear. On the other hand, the judge may have issued a bench warrant for your arrest.

An experienced Norwalk failure to appear lawyer can work to explain the situation and seek leniency from the court. To learn what may be possible in your case and how to avoid potentially damaging consequences, call Mark Sherman Law now for a consultation.