Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

If you miss your court date for a misdemeanor in Kansas, the judge will almost always issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means police can take you into custody at any time, including during a traffic stop. Missing court, known as a failure to appear (FTA), can also lead to additional charges, fines, and the loss of any bond money you posted. Even if your original case was minor, failing to appear can make your situation far more serious.

Bench Warrant Issued

When you fail to appear, the court automatically issues a bench warrant. This authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the judge. Once issued, the warrant remains active until you are taken into custody or turn yourself in.

• Immediate consequences – You can be arrested at home, work, or during a traffic stop.
• Warrant stays active – It doesn’t expire until resolved in court.
• Booking required – You may be jailed until you see a judge.

Possible Additional Charges

In addition to your original misdemeanor, missing court may result in a new criminal charge for failure to appear. This can add to your fines and possible jail time, depending on the severity of your initial offense.

• Misdemeanor FTA – Can carry up to 6 months in jail and extra fines.
• Felony FTA – If your original case was a felony, the penalty is even harsher.
• New case opened – You’ll have to deal with both the original and the FTA case.

Bond Forfeiture

If you posted bail or a bond to stay out of jail, missing your court date means you forfeit that money. The court keeps the bond, and your bail bondsman if you used one can come after you for repayment or surrender you to the jail.

• Bond forfeited – You lose the full amount of your bond or collateral.
• Bondsman involvement – A bail agent may track you down or hire a recovery agent.
• Reinstatement possible – If you act quickly, the judge may reinstate your bond after explaining your absence.

How to Fix a Missed Court Date

If you miss court, it’s best to act fast to avoid arrest and more charges. Contact your attorney or the court clerk as soon as possible to explain why you missed your hearing.

• Contact the court immediately – Ask to schedule a new court date or hearing.
• Turn yourself in – Doing so voluntarily shows cooperation and may reduce penalties.
• Bring proof – If you missed court for a legitimate reason (like illness or emergency), bring documentation to show the judge.

Consequences of Ignoring the Warrant

Ignoring a bench warrant only makes things worse. You can be arrested at any time, and the longer you wait, the less likely the court will be lenient.

• Arrest at any time – Police will take you into custody once located.
• Harsher sentencing – Judges view nonappearance as a sign of disrespect or flight risk.
• License suspension – The court may suspend your driver’s license until the warrant is cleared.

Missing a misdemeanor court date in Kansas leads to a bench warrant, possible new charges, and bond forfeiture. Acting quickly by contacting the court or your lawyer can help reduce penalties and show good faith to the judge.