No matter what charges you’re facing, skipping court is one of the fastest ways to make a bad situation worse. Many people think they can ignore a court date and deal with the consequences later — but in Arkansas, that decision can lead to serious legal trouble.
At Bobby Digby Law, we’ve represented countless clients who missed court for all kinds of reasons: confusion about dates, fear of outcomes, or just hoping the problem would go away. Whatever the reason, skipping court is never the solution. Here’s what happens when you don’t show up, and what to do if you already have.
What Does Skipping Court Actually Mean?
When you’re scheduled to appear in court, whether for a misdemeanor, felony, or even a traffic ticket, the court considers that appearance mandatory. Skipping court is egally called “failure to appear,” and this means you didn’t show up when required, and you didn’t have prior approval to reschedule.
Is It a Crime?
Yes. Skipping court isn’t just frowned upon, it’s a separate criminal offense. In Arkansas, failure to appear can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the seriousness of the original charge. If your original case was a misdemeanor, your failure to appear may be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine. But if your original charge was a felony, skipping court can lead to additional felony charges. That means more jail time, higher bail, and greater long-term consequences.
What Happens After You Miss Court?
The court doesn’t just forget about your case. In most situations, skipping court leads to an automatic bench warrant. That means the judge has issued a warrant for your arrest, and you can be picked up at any time, during a traffic stop, at work, or even at home.
Additional Bail and Fines
If you’re re-arrested after skipping court, you may face higher bail amounts or be denied bail altogether. Courts see failure to appear as a sign that you’re a flight risk, and they treat it seriously.
You may also lose any bail money you previously posted, even if it was thousands of dollars. In most cases, bail is forfeited when you miss your scheduled appearance.
Damage to Your Record
Skipping court leaves a permanent mark on your criminal record. That new charge can follow you for years, complicating future job applications, background checks, and even child custody cases. In some cases, failure to appear may affect your ability to qualify for future expungements.
Common Reasons People Miss Court — And Why They Don’t Excuse It
We’ve heard every reason for skipping court:
“I never got the notice”
“I thought it was rescheduled”
“I was scared to show up”
“I had to work”
These explanations may feel valid, but they rarely hold up in court. Unless you had a documented emergency, like a medical event or car accident, most judges will still charge you with failure to appear. That’s why it’s critical to act fast if you’ve missed your court date.
What to Do If You’ve Already Missed Court
If you realize you’ve skipped court, don’t wait to get arrested. The sooner you act, the better your chances of resolving the issue before it spirals out of control.
Contact an Attorney Immediately
An experienced attorney can help you file a motion to quash the bench warrant and explain the reason for your absence. This shows the court that you’re taking responsibility — and that you’re serious about addressing the issue. At Bobby Digby Law, we’ve helped clients in Benton, Little Rock, and surrounding areas avoid re-arrest and reduce the penalties tied to skipping court. The key is acting quickly and being honest about what happened.
Don’t Try to Handle It Alone
Trying to fix the situation yourself can backfire. Going to the courthouse without representation, or trying to explain things to the judge without guidance, can lead to new charges or even jail time. You need someone who knows Arkansas law and how to negotiate with the court on your behalf.
How to Avoid Skipping Court in the Future
Sometimes the best way to protect your freedom is simple organization. Here are some tips to make sure you never miss another court date:
- Save the date in multiple places — phone, calendar, notebook
- Set alarms or reminders days in advance
- Keep in touch with your attorney regularly
- Notify the court if your contact info changes
And above all, if you’re ever unsure about your court date or whether you need to appear, call your attorney.
Common FAQs About Missing Court in Arkansas
What is the best excuse for missing court?
Valid excuses include medical or family emergencies, car accidents, incarceration elsewhere, severe weather, or military duty. You must provide proof and notify your attorney immediately.
What happens if you don’t attend a court hearing in Arkansas?
The judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You could lose bail money, face additional charges, and have a permanent mark on your record.
What will happen if I don’t appear in court?
You can be arrested, charged with failure to appear, and possibly jailed. The severity depends on your original charge — misdemeanor or felony.
What happens if I don’t show at court?
Your case won’t disappear. You risk an arrest warrant, higher bail, and long-term record damage. Contact an Arkansas defense lawyer right away to fix it.
Don’t Let One Mistake Spiral Into More Trouble
Skipping court is a serious mistake, but it’s not the end of the road. At Bobby Digby Law, we help people every day who missed court, panicked, and thought their case was beyond saving. It’s not. With fast action and the right legal strategy, we can help reduce the damage and get you back on track. Call (501) 44-DIGBY or email Bobby@BobbyDigbyLaw.com to take the first step toward fixing your missed court date. Don’t wait for the warrant, let us help you face it head-on.