Wilton Failure to Appear Lawyer

With the assistance of a top domestic violence attorney, a missed court date does not guarantee a failure to appear conviction. A Wilton failure to appear lawyer might even be able to help have your warrant dismissed.

Failure to Appear Laws in Wilton

There are two separate statutes that address the crime of failure to appear. Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-172 governs failure to appear in the first degree while C.G.S. § 53a-173 covers this offense in the second degree.

First-degree failure to appear is the more serious of the two charges. As a Class D felony, first-degree failure to appear can lead to a prison term of between one and five years. In addition to prison, it also carries a fine of up to $5,000. You can be found guilty of this offense if you fail to attend a scheduled hearing in court for an underlying felony charge or conviction.

Second-degree failure to appear applies to anyone on probation or currently facing charges for a misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to no more than one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

In addition to the potential penalties that come with a conviction, it is important to remember the underlying charges would remain outstanding. A skilled Wilton failure to appear attorney can help you if you are facing this charge and work to see those charges reduced or dismissed.

Valid Excuses for Missing a Court Date

While it is important to comply with court orders, the reality is that missing court is sometimes unavoidable, especially in the event of emergencies. The law takes this into account, given that both failure to appear statutes only apply when you “knowingly” miss a court date.

Valid excuses include anything from medical emergencies to childcare issues. Disabled people and those without transportation could also have a valid excuse. Finally, the weather is a common factor. A lawyer in Wilton could argue that you had a valid excuse to miss a court date in a failure to appear case.

Reach Out to a Wilton Failure to Appear Attorney

You have plenty to deal with following a domestic violence arrest. The additional stress that comes with a failure to appear charge can only complicate matters further. A conviction for missing a court date could only make resolving your domestic violence case more difficult.

Thankfully, a Wilton failure to appear lawyer can assist you with taking on the charge. With the right defense, you could see your case dismissed completely. Call Mark Sherman Law right away to learn more.