Orlando Failure to Appear/Warrants Lawyer

Defending Clients for Over 20 Years

What This Page Covers:

• Failure to appear in court can lead to serious consequences, including arrest warrants, additional charges, bail forfeiture, and license suspension.
• Defenses include valid reasons like medical emergencies, lack of proper notice, or health issues preventing attendance.
• Penalties depend on the original charges and can range from fines to prison time for felony cases.
• The Wiseman Law Firm offers experienced legal representation, working to minimize consequences and protect your rights in Orlando.

Maybe you were overwhelmed with personal responsibilities, or perhaps the date slipped through the cracks during a chaotic time. Whatever the reason, failing to appear in court can mean having to face serious legal consequences, including warrants for your arrest. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you address the missed court date and work to prevent further penalties.

If you missed a court date or have an outstanding warrant in Orlando, The Wiseman Law Firm may be able to help. With extensive experience handling failure to appear cases, Attorney Simon Wiseman and his team will work with you to navigate the complexities of your situation and explore your options. Our goal is to minimize the consequences you may face and provide clear guidance on moving forward.

Potential Punishments for Failure to Appear in Orlando

Missing a court date in Orlando can lead to severe penalties. The severity of these penalties typically depends on the nature of the original charge and can include:

• Bench Warrant: If you miss your court date, the judge will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means law enforcement can arrest you at any time, turning everyday situations into moments of stress and uncertainty.
• Additional Charges: For misdemeanor cases, you may face a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If your original case was a felony, missing court can lead to a third-degree felony charge, which could mean up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• Bail Forfeiture: If you were released on bail or bond, failing to appear could cause you to forfeit that amount. You may also have difficulty obtaining bail in the future if you are re-arrested on a bench warrant.
• License Suspension: In some cases, the court may notify the Department of Motor Vehicles, leading to a suspension of your driver’s license. This can further disrupt your daily life, making it harder to get to work, appointments, or even take care of family responsibilities.
• Impact on Future Legal Proceedings: Failing to appear can damage your credibility in court. Judges may be less inclined to grant you leniency or favorable treatment in future proceedings, which can make your case more difficult to resolve.

Facing these consequences can be overwhelming, but having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side may help minimize the impact. A lawyer can advocate for your rights, work to resolve the warrant, and guide you through the legal process.

Potential Defenses for Failure to Appear Charges

If you have been charged with failing to appear in court, there are several potential defenses your attorney might utilize to help mitigate or even dismiss the charges. They include:

Valid Reason for Absence

One of the strongest defenses is proving you had a legitimate reason for missing your court date. This could include emergencies like a serious medical issue, family crisis, or other unforeseen circumstances that made it impossible for you to attend. Documentation, such as medical records or proof of an emergency, can be crucial in this defense.

Lack of Proper Notice

Sometimes, court documents or records can have errors that lead to misunderstandings about your appearance date. If you were not properly notified of your court date, you may have a defense based on insufficient or incorrect notification. This could be due to incorrect contact information or failure on the court’s part to inform you properly. If evidence can show there was a mistake in the scheduling or a clerical error that caused you not to receive the notice or led it to be sent to the wrong address, you should not be held responsible for missing the court date.

Mental or Physical Health Issues

If you were dealing with mental or physical health issues that prevented you from attending court, it may be possible to present medical records or testimony to support this defense. Showing that your health condition was severe enough to affect your ability to appear can be a valid argument.

How The Wiseman Law Firm Can Help

If you have a warrant out for your arrest after failing to appear at your court date, The Wiseman Law Firm is prepared to guide you through the legal process, protecting your rights every step of the way.

During the first phase, we will thoroughly review the details of your case. Attorney Simon Wiseman will investigate the circumstances surrounding your missed court appearance, gather any relevant evidence, and assess potential defenses. Understanding the specifics of your situation allows him to build a tailored strategy that addresses your unique needs.

Next, Mr. Wiseman will help you explore and present all viable defenses. Whether it’s proving a valid reason for your absence, identifying clerical errors, or demonstrating a lack of proper notice, he will work diligently to uncover the best possible defense for your case.

Mr. Wiseman can also assist in negotiating with the prosecution to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges. Should your case go to court, he will provide strong representation to defend your rights. His focus will be on presenting your case effectively, addressing any challenges, and working toward a positive outcome.

From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, Mr. Wiseman and his team are here to support you. You can count on us to keep you informed about the progress of your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance every step of the way.

How The Wiseman Law Firm Can Assist with Failure to Appear Cases

If you’ve missed a court date or are facing a warrant in Orlando, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. At The Wiseman Law Firm, we have decades of experience helping individuals navigate these challenging situations. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your missed appearance, explore all available defenses, and work to minimize the impact on your future. With Orlando criminal defense attorney Simon Wiseman’s background as a former prosecutor, we bring a comprehensive understanding of the legal system to your case, offering you the best chance for a favorable resolution.

Whether it involves negotiating with the prosecution or defending you in court, our priority is to protect your rights and limit the consequences you may face. We’ll ensure you are informed and prepared at every stage of the process. To learn how we may be able to assist you in resolving your failure to appear or warrant issues, contact us today at (407) 420-4647 or visit our contact form.