Failure to Appear
Non felony vehicle code moving violations commence with a notice to appear that the officer asks the person to sign. By signing the ticket, the person promises to appear at the court listed on the ticket either to forfeit bail or set a court date. Failing to appear in court as promised on a notice to appear can have adverse consequences including being charged with a new misdemeaor of failure to appear. Other consequences include being convicted in absentia of the underlying infraction, being liable for an additional late charge tacked on to the fine, being liable for an additional civil penalty if you fail to appear following a warning letter from the court, having your driver license suspended until you appear and have the case resolved and having a warrant issued for your arrest. Failure to appear can also be charged as an infraction punishable only by a fine of up to $100 plus penalty assessment. If you are arrested or charged with a traffic related offense, contact Christine McGuire, the Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Attorney.