If you miss a summons by accident what happens?

Answer 1

you will have a warrant for your arrest and have to post a bond but in some case s you go to the judge and ask for a continuance this does work depending the judges attitude on that particular day. try calling the court house and see what say . Ive had my fair share of run ins with the law and plenty of attorneys it wouldn't hurt to contact an attorney .

Answer 2

If you miss your summons date then a bench warrant will be issued by the judge. You will be wanted for "failure to appear".

Please understand there is a difference between a summons and a subpoena. A civil summons is actually a notice from the court that an action is being taken against the defendant. If the defendant does not appear in court upon the date indicated they will lose the case by default and a judgment will be entered in favor of the plaintiff. Not responding to a civil summons is not a criminal offense and no warrant or other action will be taken by the court except for the issuing of the judgment writ.

A subpoena is a direct order from the court and the named person must appear upon the date stated or be released from the appearance by a judge. Subpoenas can be a part of a civil action and generally relate to the defendant presenting to the court valid documentation of his or her assets/income. There are other issues which might involved a subpoena being issued in relation to a civil hearing, but the point is a subpoena should NEVER be ignored. To do so could as stated in another answer result in a warrant being issued for the named person.