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Maryland Failure to Appear Lawyer
Failure to appear in court is a serious offense in Maryland. If you miss a court date, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest, and you could face misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, and even jail time. These penalties may run concurrently with any penalties for the original charges that led to the court appearance. If you’ve been charged with failure to appear in addition to other crimes, whether minor violations or more serious offenses, it’s crucial to seek skilled legal representation. Our team of Maryland failure to appear lawyers offers free consultations and works tirelessly to create a strong defense, helping you achieve the best possible outcome in court.
The consequences of a failure to appear charge can significantly affect your future and financial stability. We are dedicated to fighting for the best results in your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation for any criminal offense.
Failure to Appear in Response to Citation
Under Maryland law, failure to appear in response to a citation issued by law enforcement is addressed in Title 5, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland Criminal Procedure Code. Section 5-212(b) of the Maryland Criminal Procedure Code mandates that a bench warrant will be issued for the arrest of any defendant who fails to appear in court in response to a citation. This violation is classified as a misdemeanor and, under Section 5-212(c), can carry a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
However, this provision does not apply to citations for parking violations, certain traffic offenses, or citations issued by the Maryland Natural Resources Department.
Failure to Appear for Jury Service
Failure to appear for jury service is addressed in Title 8, Subtitle 5 of the Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code. Section 8-504 of the code makes it illegal for an individual to miss jury service after being summoned. If you fail to appear, the judge may require you to appear in court on another date to explain your absence.
The penalty for failing to appear for jury duty can be a jail sentence of up to 60 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. To avoid these penalties, it’s important to consult with a Maryland failure to appear attorney as soon as possible.
Failure to Appear Following Citation from Natural Resources Officer
The Maryland Natural Resources Code, under Title 1, Subtitle 2, addresses citations issued by Natural Resources police officers. If you are cited for a misdemeanor offense and the officer decides to issue a written citation instead of making an arrest, you must sign the citation and promise to appear in court on a scheduled date.
If you fail to appear as promised, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you may be required to pay a $100 fine in addition to any fines related to the original offense. There are some exceptions, such as paying fines before trial or having legal representation. Consulting with a Maryland failure to appear lawyer can help you navigate this process and prevent further penalties.
Contact a Maryland Failure to Appear Lawyer Today
If you’ve been charged with failure to appear or have missed a court date, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and provide guidance on the next steps. We are committed to defending your rights and securing the best possible outcome for you.
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