I Missed Court - What Do I Do Next

What Happens If You Miss Your Court Date for a Misdemeanor in Lucas County?

Missing a court date—whether by mistake, miscommunication, or fear—can quickly turn a minor charge into a major problem. In Lucas County, including Toledo Municipal Court, Maumee Municipal Court, and Sylvania Municipal Court, missing a scheduled appearance for a misdemeanor charge can result in a bench warrant, additional criminal charges, and even jail time.

At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we regularly help clients who missed court for valid reasons or simply made a mistake. In this post, we’ll explain what happens when you miss court in Toledo or elsewhere in Lucas County, what your legal options are, and how to fix the situation before it gets worse.

What Is a Bench Warrant?

When you fail to appear in court for a scheduled hearing—whether it’s an arraignment, pretrial, or trial—the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

This means:

·      Police can arrest you at any time (during a traffic stop, at home, or at work)

·      You may be held in jail until you can appear before a judge

·      Your bond may be revoked or increased

·      You could face additional criminal charges, like Failure to Appear (FTA)

In some cases, especially in domestic violence, DUI, or probation violation matters, the court will treat a missed court date very seriously, and it may influence the outcome of your original charge.

Common Reasons People Miss Court in Toledo

Missing court doesn’t automatically mean you’re trying to flee or avoid responsibility. Some of the most common (and understandable) reasons include:

·      Not receiving a court notice

·      Forgetting the date or confusing the time

·      Transportation issues or car trouble

·      Hospitalization or illness

·      Anxiety or fear about the case

·      Misunderstanding legal paperwork

The courts may still issue a warrant regardless of the reason. However, if you act quickly and responsibly, there is often a path to resolve the issue without being arrested.

What Should You Do If You Missed Your Court Date?

✅ Step 1: Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

If you’ve missed a court date in Lucas County or Toledo Municipal Court, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we can:

·      Check the court record to confirm whether a bench warrant was issued

·      File a motion to recall the warrant before you’re arrested

·      Explain your absence to the court

·      Schedule a new hearing date and appear on your behalf

The sooner you take action, the better your chances of resolving the issue without spending time in jail.

✅ Step 2: Do NOT Wait for the Police to Find You

If you assume the court will forget about it or that you can resolve it later, you're putting yourself at risk. A missed misdemeanor court date can:

·      Turn into a late-night arrest during a traffic stop

·      Result in extra charges or harsher sentencing

·      Damage your credibility with the judge and prosecutor

Take control of the situation by voluntarily addressing the issue.

✅ Step 3: Prepare to Explain Why You Missed Court

Judges in Lucas County want to hear a reasonable and honest explanation. If you can show that your absence was due to a mistake, illness, emergency, or misunderstanding, your attorney can often quash the warrant and reschedule your court date without penalty.

The court may also take your actions into account—for example, if you:

·      Immediately contacted your attorney

·      Have a history of compliance

·      Are actively trying to resolve the issue

Can You Be Charged with a Crime for Missing Court?

Yes. In Ohio, Failure to Appear for a misdemeanor charge is itself a separate misdemeanor offense, punishable by:

·      Up to 6 months in jail

·      Up to $1,000 in fines

·      A suspended driver’s license in certain cases

These penalties are in addition to whatever sentence you may face for the underlying charge (e.g., petty theft, driving under suspension, or disorderly conduct). That’s why it’s so important to handle a missed court date immediately.

What If You’re Out on Bond?

If you were released on bail or recognizance, failing to appear in court can lead to:

·      Forfeiture of your bond

·      Higher bond amounts in the future

·      Possible pretrial detention for the rest of your case

A skilled Toledo defense attorney can file a motion to reinstate your bond and explain your absence in court. If handled properly, many judges are willing to give people a second chance—especially if you’re proactive.

How We Help Clients Who Missed Court

At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we understand that life happens. Our approach includes:

·      Review of your warrant or missed court status

·      Filing motions to vacate the warrant and explain your absence

·      Working with the court to avoid arrest or jail

·      Rescheduling your case and getting you back on track

We also work to defend the original charge and minimize any additional penalties that may arise from the missed appearance.

Don’t Wait — Fix It Before It Gets Worse

If you missed your court date for a misdemeanor charge in Toledo, Sylvania, Oregon, Maumee, or anywhere in Lucas County, you still have time to take action.

📞 Call Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law at (419) 830-7441

🌐 Visit www.brianmorrisseylaw.com

📧 Email: brian@brianmorrisseylaw.com

We can often appear in court on your behalf, prevent an arrest, and help resolve your case—but only if you act quickly.