( FTA ) Failure to Appear
One of the crucial responsibilities when out on bail is appearing in court as required. In Connecticut, failing to appear can lead to severe consequences for both the defendant and those who have posted their bond. While unforeseen circumstances may occasionally prevent individuals from attending court, there are serious penalties for missing a court date regardless of the reason. This applies to those who have posted bail with or without the help of a bail bondsman.
Let’s take a closer look at these consequences for individuals charged with failure to appear in Connecticut. Additionally, it is crucial to understand what exactly constitutes a failure to appear and how it can impact your case.
An Arrest Warrant Will be Issued
In Connecticut, failing to appear (FTA) for a court hearing carries significant consequences. Upon issuance of an FTA by the judge, an active warrant is issued for the defendant’s arrest. Although law enforcement might not actively pursue the accused, any encounters with police, such as traffic stops, could result in custody.
Defendants must regard their court appearances seriously and attend all scheduled hearings to evade an FTA and subsequent legal ramifications. Thus, defendants facing criminal charges in Connecticut should prioritize attending court hearings as instructed by the judge.
How to Appeal a Failure to Appear
When facing a Failure to Appear charge in Connecticut, there are significant consequences that can have a lasting impact. However, there are certain situations that may arise unexpectedly, such as family emergencies or illness, that can prevent someone from attending their court date. Additionally, there may be instances where the FTA was caused unintentionally by the court itself. In these cases, it is possible to appeal to the court and provide evidence in order to potentially reduce the consequences of an FTA charge. The judge may be more understanding and willing to vacate the charge if valid proof is presented.