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New Haven Failure to Appear Lawyer
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New Haven Failure to Appear Lawyer
The criminal courts in New Haven and elsewhere in the state have substantial powers. This includes the ability to require that criminal defendants appear in court to answer allegations of wrongdoing. The State Legislature passed a pair of laws that makes failing to appear for a criminal case a new charge with its own penalties.
If you are currently facing allegations that you missed a court date, a New Haven failure to appear lawyer may be able to help. Ruane Attorneys can work to prevent the potential consequences of a missed court appearance. Regardless of the circumstances, a conversation with an attorney at our firm is in your best interests.
New Charges for Failing to Appear in Criminal Court
A person who receives a summons to appear before a traffic or criminal court in New Haven must be present in court on that date. This applies whether the session is for an arraignment, pre-trial hearing, or final trial. A person’s attendance signals their compliance with the law and allows the court to conduct business efficiently.
People who do not appear risk severe penalties. Not appearing for court is a new criminal offense where the penalties are added to those that result from the core case. Additionally, not appearing for a scheduled date will likely lead to the court revoking all current bail conditions.
Missing a Court Date for a Misdemeanor
Not appearing for a traffic case or misdemeanor is a new class A misdemeanor charge. According to Connecticut General Statute § 53a-173, convictions here can bring a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
Failing to Appear for a Felony Case
Failing to appear for a felony case can bring new felony charges. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-172, not appearing for a felony case is a new class D felony with a maximum prison term of five years. An attorney at our New Haven office could provide more information about the possible consequences of not appearing for a criminal case.
Disputing a Charge for Failing to Appear in New Haven Court
A failure to appear conviction can come with harsh consequences. As a result, it is crucially important to contest these charges whenever possible. Multiple defenses may be available, depending on the circumstances.
One option is to bring evidence that a person never received proper notice of their requirement to appear. This could be possible when the court has a person’s wrong address on file or even in cases of mistaken identity.
Another option is to argue that a defendant had a fair reason to miss their date in court. This can include scenarios involving medical emergencies or even incarceration in a different state where courts have not properly communicated. The goal is to show that the failure to appear was not the defendant’s fault. A failure to appear lawyer at our firm could examine the specific facts of each case to determine a tailored defense strategy.
Let a New Haven Failure to Appear Attorney Defend You in Court
Criminal courts in New Haven and throughout the state have broad powers to compel people to appear as criminal defendants. Whenever a person receives a summons to appear or is out on bail, they must make every possible effort to appear as required. Failing to do so could see a court rescind bail or lead to new criminal charges.
A New Haven failure to appear lawyer could help you in this situation. Ruane Attorneys can work to obtain evidence excusing your absence or arrange for a time to appear in court to make up for a missed session. Contact us today to discuss your case.