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Failing to Appear in Florida
If you have failed to appear for an assigned court date to answer to misdemeanor charges in Florida, you can expect a warrant to be issued for your arrest. Retaining an attorney is your best option because they can file a motion for the sitting judge to withdraw your failure to appear (FTA) warrant.
What many people do not realize is that if you fail to appear in court in Florida, the prosecutor can press additional charges. Not only will you have to answer for your original charge, but you will also be answering for a separate first-degree misdemeanor if you fail to appear on any misdemeanor charge, regardless of its degree.
If you are found to have willfully failed to appear in court, you may face one or more consequences. If you know that you missed a court date, you have several options to pursue. You may turn yourself in at the court of record, you can hire an attorney to file a motion to withdraw the warrant, or you can hire an attorney to help you surrender yourself.
If you choose to remain on a failure to appear status, you face several consequences:
- You are ineligible to collect government benefits.
- You may have your driver’s license suspended until you turn yourself in.
- You will have difficulty finding employment when necessary.
- You will find it difficult to secure housing if you are looking for it.
- Any security that was given for your original bond will be forfeited.
- You will face an additional criminal charge.
- You may be found in contempt and face court-imposed penalties, including jail time.
Many county websites outline what may happen if you fail to appear. Hillsborough County is such a website that includes a statement in its FAQ section that reads:
“Failure to appear may result in serious consequence. A felony judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. You may forfeit any bond that you have posted, thus losing money or collateral. If you are arrested for failure to appear you may be held in Hillsborough County Jail without bond.”
It is also important to understand that a failure to appear charge will be on your criminal record. Should you be arrested in the future, a judge may refuse to grant you bail based upon your past history.
If you have been arrested for a crime or you have failed to appear for a court date, we are here for you. Contact our offices today so we can begin the process of representing you. Initial consultations are free. Call now.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
