Failure to Appear
A bench warrant or an alias capias is what a judge will issue when a person fails to appear for a court date in Florida after posting bond, receiving a notice to appear, or being released on recognizance (ROR). Because most bench warrants are “no-bond” warrants, people arrested because of failure to appear in court are unable to bond out of jail and have to wait until their next court appearances are scheduled.
The crime of failure of a defendant on bail to appear can be a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the underlying criminal charge for which he or she was released. Individuals risk forfeiture of bond or collateral posted as a condition of release if they fail to appear for certain court dates.
Attorney for Failure to Appear Warrants in Brooksville, FL
Do you believe that a warrant may have been issued or were you already arrested in Central Florida because you allegedly missed a court appearance? Contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. as soon as possible.
Brooksville criminal defense lawyer Ashley Aulls defends clients in communities throughout Citrus County, Hernando County, Pasco County, and Sumter County. Call (352) 593-4115 right now to have our attorney review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a confidential consultation.
Overview of Bench Warrants in Florida
- How can people be charged with failure to appear?
- What are the consequences of failure to appear convictions?
- Where can I learn more about failure to appear in Brooksville?
Failure to Appear Charges in Hernando County
Under Florida Statute § 843.15, an individual commits a failure to appear offense if he or she, having been released pursuant to Chapter 903 of the Florida Statutes, willfully fails to appear before any court or judicial officer as required. Failure to appear will result in either of the following charges, depending on the classification of the underlying criminal offense:
- If the alleged offender was released in connection with a charge of misdemeanor, failure to appear is a first-degree misdemeanor; and
- If the alleged offender was released in connection with a charge of felony or while awaiting sentence or pending review by certiorari after conviction of any offense, failure to appear is a third-degree felony.
Failure to Appear Penalties in Brooksville
When a person is convicted of failure to appear, the statutory maximum sentences are as follows:
- First-Degree Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail and/or fine of up to $1,000; or
- Third-Degree Felony — Up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
People who are accused of failure to appear often have perfectly valid excuses that can presented as evidence against criminal charges for alleged failure to appear. Motor vehicle accidents or medical emergencies are to common examples of extenuating circumstances that justify missed court appearances.
Hernando County Failure to Appear Resources
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office | Most Wanted — Visit this section of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office website to view a list of people wanted on active, outstanding Hernando County warrants. You can also find a link to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s statewide warrants database. The Sheriff’s Office publishes the mugshots, name, ethnicity, gender, date of birth, hair color, and eye color of people with active warrants.
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
18900 Cortez Blvd.
Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 754-6830
Wanted Suspects | Hernando County Crime Stoppers — Hernando County Crime Stoppers is a community based non-profit program “designed to bring law enforcement, the news media and the citizens closer together in an effort to combat crime and make the community a safer place to live.” People are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000 if they furnish information leading to arrests or indictments of suspects involved in criminal offenses. Tips may be submitted via phone call, online web tips, or the P3 Tips mobile application.
The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. | Brooksville Failure to Appear Defense Lawyer
If you were arrested or think that a warrant has been issued for your arrest because of a missed court appearance, it will be in your best interest to quickly retain legal counsel. The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. represents individuals in Brooksville, Inverness, New Port Richey, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Wildwood, and many surrounding areas of Hernando County.
Ashley Aulls is a skilled criminal defense attorney in Brooksville who can help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case that carries the fewest possible consequences. You can have our lawyer provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (352) 593-4115 or submit an online contact form today to receive a initial consultation.