When you cant atend a court date?

Answer 1

Depending on the nature of the charge being answered, there might be a range of consequences. Nothing might happen. The trial gets rescheduled. Or the judge or another officer of the court might call you to account for your absence ("Where were you?") and scold you. Remember that the question involved a trial. A lot of people are involved in a trial, and if you are the only one not there, you're in trouble. The judge could find you guilty of a failure to appear (which you clearly are) and you could be fined or even placed in custody. This is a general answer because of the general nature of the question. If one has an attorney, the attorney may be left to explain where his client (you) is (are). And he may not, in fact, know, which makes it difficult for him and may generate friction between the lawyer and his client (you).

Answer 2

It depends on the type of hearing and your reason for being unable to attend. Valid legal excuses for missing court are generally limited to being incarcerated or being in-patient at a hospital. If you have another reason holding you, the court has discretion whether or not to excuse you. Having to work is generally not going to excuse you.

If you have an attorney, notify him/her of the problem immediately. He/she should be able to postpone an appearance with adequate notice, if it has not already been rescheduled, in most cases.

If you do not have an attorney, contact the court's clerk immediately. Ask that your case be postponed, and be prepared to produce any documents necessary to document your conflict. If they deny your request, you'll need to figure a way to attend. Missing your court date often results in a bench warrant or contempt fees.