In a criminal matter, as a condition of your release from jail, you are required to attend all scheduled court hearings. If you miss a court date, you could suffer severe consequences. For instance, a judge may issue a warrant for your arrest, your driver's license may be suspended, or your bond may be forfeited, meaning the court will keep it and you won't get any amount back.
Unfortunately, life is uncertain, and various things may come up, such as a medical emergency or a death in the family, that can keep you from making it to court. In such situations, it's crucial that you make necessary contact and attempt to reschedule your appearance.
If you can't make your court date, below are some steps you can take:
- Contact the court: For some Ohio courts, you can either call the bailiff or appear in person before your scheduled hearing to explain why you can't make it. However, over-the-phone rescheduling might not be available. That being said, it's best to reach out either way to determine what your options are.
- Call your lawyer: If you've retained legal representation for your case, connect with your attorney to let them know what your situation is. They can discuss your legal options and may even be able to appear in court on your behalf, depending on the matter.
- Speak with your bail bond agent: If you went through a bail bond company to secure release from jail while your case is pending, talking your bondsperson may be necessary. If you don't show up to court when you're scheduled, the company must pay the remainder of the bail amount and will need to speak with you (or the person who secured the bond) to collect the outstanding amount. As such, they want to ensure that you're able to make it to your court date.
- File a motion for continuance: Before your scheduled court date, you may be able to file a motion for continuance to ask to have your hearing postponed. It's best to discuss the option with your attorney to determine whether or not your situation qualifies.
It's important to note that although you can take the steps listed above, it does not ensure that your court date will be rescheduled or that you won’t have to show up for your hearing. The judge has the final say in how your case proceeds and they may decide to grant a continuance or issue an arrest warrant depending on the circumstances. However, attempting to resolve the conflict is better than simply missing your court date.
At Andy Callif Bail Bonds, we can help you through posting bail for release from jail in Columbus and the surrounding areas. We'll discuss the conditions you must adhere to once you're out and answer questions about the process. Call us at (614) 945-4334 or contact us online today.