What Happens if You Miss a Criminal Court Date in North Carolina?

Missing a scheduled criminal court date in North Carolina can cause serious legal problems. Whether it’s a traffic violation, misdemeanor, or felony charge, failing to appear is not something the court overlooks. In Catawba County and across NC, missing court often triggers additional charges, arrest warrants, and costly consequences.

At King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law, we’ve helped clients in Hickory, Newton, and surrounding areas navigate these situations — and in many cases, we’ve been able to minimize the damage. Here’s what you need to know if you miss your court date.

1. A “Failure to Appear” Charge Will Likely Be Issued

When you miss court in North Carolina, the judge may issue a Failure to Appear (FTA). This can lead to:

• A criminal summons or order for arrest

• Additional fines

• Suspension of your driver’s license (in certain cases)

For misdemeanor and felony cases, an order for arrest means law enforcement can take you into custody immediately.

2. Your Driver’s License Could Be Suspended

If your missed court date involves certain traffic charges, the NC DMV will be notified. After 20 days without resolving the case, your license can be suspended until you appear in court and pay all fines and fees.

3. Bond May Be Increased or Revoked

If you were previously released on bond, the judge can increase your bond amount or revoke it entirely. This could mean spending time in jail until your next court date.

4. You May Face Additional Criminal Charges

In some cases, missing court can result in separate criminal charges for failing to appear. This adds to your legal trouble and can affect your defense in the original case.

5. Steps to Take Immediately After Missing Court

If you’ve missed a court date, acting quickly can make a huge difference. Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact a local criminal defense attorney immediately — We can often file a “motion to strike” the FTA and get your case back on the calendar.

2. Avoid turning yourself in without legal advice — An attorney can arrange for a more controlled resolution.

3. Gather any proof (medical emergencies, transportation issues, etc.) that explain your absence.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Situation

Ignoring a missed court date almost always makes things worse. In Catawba, Caldwell, and Burke counties, law enforcement actively serves arrest warrants, and the courts treat FTAs seriously. The sooner you address the issue, the more options you’ll have to avoid jail and protect your record.

How King & Rowe Can Help

At King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law, we know how stressful criminal charges can be — especially if you’ve missed a court date. Our experienced team will:

• Move quickly to resolve any warrants

• Work to restore your driving privileges

• Negotiate with the court to reduce penalties

• Build a strong defense for your underlying charges

We serve clients throughout Hickory, Newton, Catawba County, Caldwell County, and Burke County.

If you’ve missed a criminal court date, don’t wait — call King & Rowe today at 828-466-3858 for a confidential consultation.