What Happens When You Miss a Court Date in PA?
When you fail to appear in court, the judge can issue a bench warrant. This gives police the legal authority to arrest you and bring you before the court. It can happen during a traffic stop, at your home, or even at work.
In addition to the warrant, you could also face:
Additional criminal charges for “failure to appear,”
Bail revocation or loss of any money posted,
Driver’s license suspension in some cases,
Harsher penalties if convicted on the original charge.
Step 1: Call the Law Office of John B. Pike Immediately
Do not wait to be arrested. If you’ve missed court in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Bradford, Carbon, or Columbia County, our office can help you take control of the situation before it spirals.
We have over 35 years of trial experience defending clients across Northeastern Pennsylvania. In many cases, we can:
File a motion to quash or recall the bench warrant,
Arrange a voluntary surrender that avoids a public arrest,
Explain your absence to the judge and request a new hearing date,
Protect your record and keep you out of jail.
Time is critical. Judges take failure to appear seriously — but they’re more likely to show leniency when you show responsibility and retain counsel.
Step 2: Document Any Valid Reason for Missing Court
If you missed court because of an emergency or miscommunication, we can present proof to the judge. This might include:
Medical records showing illness or hospitalization,
Accident reports or vehicle repair documents,
Evidence of a family emergency,
Proof that you never received the court notice.
The court may be willing to recall the warrant or reset your case if the absence wasn’t willful.
Step 3: Avoid Trying to Fix It Alone
Some people think going to the courthouse to "explain" themselves will fix it. Unfortunately, this often results in being taken into custody on the spot. Don’t take that risk. Our office knows the local courts and can often arrange a safe, scheduled appearance or in some cases, handle the issue without you appearing at all.
Serving Clients Across Northeastern Pennsylvania
At the Law Office of John B. Pike, we represent clients who have missed court dates or are facing bench warrants in:
Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Wyoming County, Bradford County, Carbon County, Columbia County.
We work quickly and discreetly to get warrants lifted, restore your court dates, and protect your freedom.
Contact the Law Office of John B. Pike Today
If you’ve missed court in Pennsylvania, don’t panic and don’t wait. You have options, but time is not on your side. We’re here to help you resolve the issue before it leads to arrest or jail time.
