What Happens If You Miss Your DUI Court Date in San Diego?
A DUI arrest in San Diego is stressful enough, but missing your scheduled court date can make the situation much worse. Whether you forgot, got the date wrong, or had an emergency, the court doesn’t simply overlook a no-show. Understanding the consequences of missing your DUI court appearance, and what you can do to fix it, is critical.
Immediate Consequences of Missing a DUI Court Date
When you fail to appear (FTA) for your DUI hearing, the judge will almost always:
- Issue a Bench Warrant – This means law enforcement has the authority to arrest you. In some cases, police may come to your home or workplace.
- Add New Charges – Failing to appear can be treated as a separate criminal offense under California law.
- Forfeit Bail – If you posted bail, the court may revoke it, leading to additional financial losses.
- License Suspension – The court may notify the DMV, which can trigger a license hold or suspension.
How San Diego Courts Handle Missed DUI Dates
Every San Diego court takes FTAs seriously, especially in DUI cases. Here’s what usually happens:
- Bench Warrant Activated – Your name and case details go into the statewide system.
- Driver’s License Hold – The court can notify the DMV, making it impossible to renew or reinstate your license until the warrant is cleared.
- Increased Penalties – Missing court can lead to stricter probation terms, higher fines, or even additional jail time.
- Loss of Credibility – Judges may be less sympathetic to any defenses your lawyer raises later.
What To Do If You Already Missed Court
If you’ve missed your DUI court date in San Diego, don’t wait for the police to come knocking. Here are the steps to take:
- Contact a DUI Lawyer Immediately – An attorney can often get your bench warrant recalled without you being taken into custody.
- Act Quickly – The sooner you address it, the more likely the court will show leniency.
- Prepare an Explanation – If you missed court due to illness, family emergency, or another valid reason, documentation can help.
- Show Good Faith – Voluntarily appearing in court with a lawyer looks much better than being arrested on a warrant.
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help
A San Diego DUI lawyer can file a motion to recall the bench warrant and schedule a new hearing, often preventing you from being taken into custody. They can also appear alongside you in court, explain the circumstances of your absence, and present your case in the best possible light. With skilled representation, you have a much better chance of avoiding extra penalties and keeping your record from getting worse. An experienced attorney like Rick Mueller, who focuses exclusively on DUI defense in San Diego, can help you regain control of your case and move forward with a stronger legal strategy.
Don’t Let One Mistake Make Things Worse
Missing your DUI court date in San Diego is serious, but it doesn’t have to ruin your case. The key is acting fast and getting professional help.
Contact San Diego DUI lawyer, Rick Mueller, today to protect your rights, recall your warrant, and get your case back on track. With decades of experience defending DUI clients in San Diego, he knows how to navigate the courts and minimize the damage from a missed court date.
What Happens If You Miss Your DUI Court Date in San Diego?