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What Happens When You Miss a Court Date for a DUI Charge?
If you have missed your court date for a drunk driving charge, it may have serious consequences. Ignoring the summons to appear in court can result in the issuance of a warrant against you. The state may choose to make an arrest or leave the warrant outstanding in their system, unbeknownst to you.
However, you should not assume that ignoring a warrant for drunk driving charges will make the case disappear after some time. The warrant remains in the system until it is handled by law enforcement. The statute of limitations, a period by which the state must bring charges against you or forfeit the right to do so, does not apply when you fail to appear in court for DUI charges.
There are many reasons why a case may have a statute of limitations, including making recent charges easier to prove and allowing people to move on from behavior in their past. In the case of a missed DUI court date, the statute of limitations cannot help you. You will need to address the missed court date and underlying charges if you wish to defend yourself against them.
If you have missed your court date, it may be due to a lack of notice. This often occurs when a person moves and does not receive the summons at their new address. You may also be unaware that there are charges against you until a traffic stop or other unrelated event. In any case, it is important to work with a DUI attorney to address missed court dates and warrants.
A DUI attorney can work with you to resolve the warrant without requiring you to turn yourself into jail. Working with an attorney is crucial in exploring all of your options in resolving the warrant and the merits of your case. If you fail to address the warrant, you may experience inconvenience, such as being taken to jail at an inconvenient time.
Table:
| Prior Convictions: | Possible Penalties: |
|---|---|
| First DUI Conviction | Fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, probation |
| Second DUI Conviction | Fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, probation, up to one year in jail |
| Third DUI Conviction | Fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, probation, up to 120 days in jail, mandatory ignition interlock device |
| Fourth DUI Conviction | Fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, probation, up to three years in jail, mandatory ignition interlock device |
If you are facing DUI charges, it is essential to work with a skilled DUI attorney. A DUI conviction can have significant consequences on your life, including fines, license suspension, probation, and imprisonment.
An experienced DUI attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you mount a strong defense against the charges. Your attorney can examine the evidence against you, scrutinize the arrest procedures, and challenge the prosecutor’s arguments. They may also negotiate a plea bargain that can reduce the charges or penalties you face.
Moreover, a DUI attorney can provide you with invaluable support and advice during a challenging time. They can explain the law and the legal process in terms you can understand, and answer any questions you may have. They can also provide you with emotional support, as well as provide referrals to social services or other resources that may be helpful to you.
DUI charges are serious, and you should take them seriously. If you are facing DUI charges, contact Todd Spodek Law Group today. Our attorneys are experienced in defending clients against DUI charges and can help you protect your rights and your future.
Very diligent, organized associates; got my case dismissed. Hard working attorneys who can put up with your anxiousness. I was accused of robbing a gemstone dealer. Definitely A law group that lays out all possible options and alternative routes. Recommended for sure.
- ROBIN, GUN CHARGES ROBIN
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS