If I miss my court date, do I forfeit my right to a trial by judge or jury?
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If I miss my court date, do I forfeit my right to a trial by judge or jury?
I forgot my court date yesterday and when I remembered today, I went and the ADA told me that because I missed my court date I forfeit my right to a trial by judge or jury.
Asked on January 28, 2015 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Typically, if you miss a court date, you lose automatically--it's like forfeiting a ball game by not showing up to the game. You can attempt to have that loss set aside and get a new date, but typically need a *good* reason for the failure to appear, such as having had a medical emergency.
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