Here’s What to Do Next
Missing a court date in Arizona can lead to serious legal consequences, including a bench warrant, additional charges, or jail time. Whether your absence was accidental, due to illness, or caused by a scheduling mistake, it’s critical to take swift action to address the situation and protect your rights.
What Happens If You Miss Court in Arizona?
In Arizona, failing to appear (FTA) at a scheduled court hearing often results in a bench warrant for your arrest. This allows law enforcement to detain you at any time—during a routine traffic stop, at home, or even at work.
If the missed court date was tied to a criminal case, your bond could be forfeited, and additional charges filed under A.R.S. §13-2506 or §13-2507. For civil or traffic cases, you may face a suspended driver’s license, fines, or a default judgment.
What Should You Do If You Missed Your Court Date?
- Call an Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
The most important step is contacting a qualified attorney. At Rideout Law Group, our legal team in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu has extensive experience handling FTAs and can:
- File a motion to quash your bench warrant
- Request a new court date
- Represent you in court and explain your absence
- Help you avoid additional penalties
- Don’t Ignore the Warrant
Ignoring a missed court date can escalate your legal issues. A bench warrant remains active until it’s resolved—and could lead to unexpected arrest. Taking action shows the court you are responsible and cooperative.
- Gather Evidence Explaining Your Absence
If you missed court due to a valid reason, such as illness, car trouble, or a family emergency, collect any supporting documents (e.g., doctor’s notes, flight cancellations). Your attorney can use this to advocate on your behalf.
- Avoid Surrendering Without Legal Advice
Turning yourself in without legal support can result in immediate custody. A lawyer may be able to quash the warrant without you being arrested, especially in non-violent or first-time offense cases.
Why Hire Rideout Law Group?
Our attorneys provide aggressive, strategic legal support for missed court cases across Arizona, including:
- Maricopa County: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe
- Mohave County: Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Bullhead City
We know the courts, the judges, and the best ways to resolve FTAs with minimal disruption to your life.
Common Reasons People Miss Court
Our clients often miss court for understandable reasons:
- Miscommunication about the date or location
- Lost or delayed mail from the court
- Fear or anxiety about legal outcomes
- Unexpected emergencies
Whatever the cause, we’re here to help you move forward.
Contact Rideout Law Group Today
Scottsdale Office
📍 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.