What Happens If You Miss a Court Date While Out on Bail?

When you’re released on bail, one of the most important conditions is that you must attend all scheduled court hearings. Missing a court date—even accidentally—can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest warrants, bail forfeiture, and additional charges.

If you or a loved one has missed a court date while out on bail, here’s what you need to know and what steps to take next.

1. Immediate Consequences of Missing a Court Date

Courts take failure to appear (FTA) violations seriously. If you miss a court date, you may face:

• Bench Warrant Issued – The judge will issue a Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant for your arrest.
• Bail Forfeiture – If you used a bail bond, the court may require the bondsman to pay the full bail amount.
• Additional Charges – Failure to appear in court can lead to a new misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the original offense.

To learn more about the consequences of skipping bail, check out What Happens If You Skip Bail?.

2. What To Do If You Miss a Court Date

If you realize you’ve missed a court date, take action immediately:

• Contact Your Attorney – A lawyer can help you petition the court to reschedule your hearing.
• Explain Your Situation – If you missed court due to an emergency, illness, or scheduling issue, the judge may consider giving you another chance.
• Notify Your Bail Bondsman – If you’re out on a bail bond, your bondsman needs to know about the missed court date.

Acting quickly may help you avoid arrest and keep your bail agreement intact.

3. Can You Get Bail Again If You Miss Court?

In some cases, you may still be eligible for bail, but there are no guarantees. If you’ve missed a court date:

• The judge may allow a second chance if you provide a valid reason.
• If your bail was revoked, you might need a higher bond amount or collateral for a new release.
• Repeated failures to appear could result in denied bail, meaning you must stay in custody.

If you need help securing bail again, Cowboy Bail Bonds can guide you through the process.

4. How Cowboy Bail Bonds Can Help

At Cowboy Bail Bonds, we understand that mistakes happen. If you or a loved one has missed a court date, we may be able to help by:

• Providing guidance on how to handle a missed court date.
• Assisting with re-bail if the judge allows it.
• Ensuring clients understand their court obligations to avoid future issues.

To stay informed about how bail works, check out How Bail Is Set in California.

5. Final Thoughts: Never Miss a Court Date

Missing a court date while out on bail can have serious legal consequences. However, if you act fast and work with an attorney, you may be able to fix the situation.

If you need help understanding your bail obligations or securing a bond, Cowboy Bail Bonds is here to assist you.

📞 Need bail bond assistance? Contact us today or visit our blog for more helpful resources.