Missed Your Court Date in Connecticut? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve just realized you missed a court date in Connecticut, you’re probably terrified. Clients tell me all the time: “Am I going to jail for this?”

First, take a deep breath. This is fixable if you act quickly. You’re not alone — people miss court every single day in Connecticut. Sometimes it’s a mistake, sometimes life gets in the way, and sometimes the notice never even reaches you. Missing court doesn’t make you a bad person. But it does create a serious legal problem you need to handle right away.

Under Connecticut law, failing to appear in court is itself a crime called Failure to Appear (FTA).

• FTA 2nd (CGS § 53a-173) — Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail, $2,000 fine.
• FTA 1st (CGS § 53a-172) — Class D felony, up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine.

In most situations, the judge will issue a rearrest warrant, which means you could be picked up by police at any time. (You’ll see “Failure to Appear CT” on a lot of paperwork — same issue, just shorthand.)

The courts recognize that people make honest mistakes. If this is your first missed court date — and your case is not a very serious felony with a high bond — the judge may hold off on issuing a rearrest warrant.

Instead, the judge may order the Bail Commissioner to issue a Bail Commissioner’s Letter. This is basically a one-time warning, reminding you to return to court. Think of it as a “second chance” to get back on track.

• You usually only get one Bail Commissioner’s Letter in your case.
• If you miss court again after receiving one, the court will almost certainly issue a rearrest warrant.
• At that point, your bond may be raised significantly to ensure you don’t miss it again.

For many clients, the Bail Commissioner’s Letter is a lifesaver — and a loud, clear sign you can’t afford another slip.

That’s the #1 fear I hear — and the honest answer is: maybe, but not always.

• If this is your first time and you receive a Bail Commissioner’s Letter, you may avoid arrest altogether.
• If a rearrest warrant has been issued, acting quickly with a lawyer often makes the difference between walking into court voluntarily or being taken in handcuffs.
• Judges are far more understanding when you face the issue right away instead of waiting until you’re arrested.

You may feel embarrassed, but these situations are very common:

• You never received notice of the court date (mailing or address issue).
• You wrote down the wrong day or time.
• Work or childcare got in the way.
• Transportation issues.
• Illness or emergency.
• Pure anxiety — you were scared to show up.

Judges have seen all of these before. What matters is how you handle it now.

• Call a lawyer immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it is to fix. Don’t try to handle this on your own.
• Don’t wait — voluntary return beats a 6 a.m. knock at the door.
• If your lawyer cannot get the rearrest warrant vacated, surrender quickly. Turning yourself in shows the court you took responsibility right away. Quick surrender often makes the difference between resolving things quietly or facing an additional criminal charge for Failure to Appear.

• Proof of illness/hospital visit or urgent care note
• Accident/tow report or airline delay documentation
• Employer/childcare letter confirming the conflict
• Any notice issues (returned mail, address change confirmation)

One of the main tools lawyers use is a motion to vacate the rearrest warrant. But not all motions are created equally, a poorly prepared or unsupported motion can do more harm than good.

• You were in a car accident on the way to court.
• You were seriously ill or hospitalized and can show proof (doctor’s note).
• You never received proper notice of the court date (e.g., notice mailed to an old address on file).
• You acted quickly once you realized what happened — the faster the motion is filed, the better.

• You simply forgot, ignored calls/letters, and then waited months before doing anything. Judges view this as careless and irresponsible, making it much harder to persuade them to lift the re-arrest.

Timing and presentation are everything. Judges want to see responsibility and honesty. A well-prepared motion by an experienced lawyer shows you’re taking the matter seriously; a late or self-written motion risks getting denied.

Need a motion filed today? Call (203) 357-5555 and we’ll start the paperwork.

I’ve been handling Connecticut criminal cases for over 34 years. When clients call me after missing court, they’re usually shaking with fear. My job is to calm things down and protect them from the worst outcomes.

• Check the court system immediately to see if a re-arrest warrant was issued.
• File the proper motions to vacate a warrant or reinstate the case.
• Go into court with you and explain the situation.
• Show the judge you’re taking responsibility.
• Work to preserve your bond and keep you out of jail.

Most of the time, judges prefer people who deal with the problem quickly rather than those who hide.

Yes. You’ll usually need a lawyer to request a new date and clear any active warrant first. Acting quickly shows responsibility and increases the odds the court will cooperate.

Honesty backed by documentation. Judges are most receptive to legitimate issues like illness, an accident, or lack of notice — especially when you provide proof and move fast to fix it.

It won’t disappear. You can be arrested at any time, and the delay can lead to tougher bond, additional charges, and worse plea options.

Often, yes, especially if you’ve already received a Bail Commissioner’s Letter or missed more than once. A prompt, credible explanation can help preserve your bond or minimize increases.

In some motor vehicle cases, the DMV can suspend your license for failing to appear. The sooner you address the missed date, the easier it is to avoid or reverse collateral DMV consequences.

Usually yes, though your lawyer can sometimes appear first to address the warrant and set things up. Some courts allow virtual appearances for simple matters, but it depends on the judge and the case.

It can be. A minor misdemeanor can snowball into an additional misdemeanor or even a felony FTA, complicating bail and negotiations — which is why fast action matters.

If you’ve missed a court date in Connecticut, time is not on your side. The sooner you act, the better your chances of staying out of jail and resolving the problem.

📞 Call me today at (203) 357-5555 or visit my contact page for immediate help.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, I treat every client with respect and compassion. I’ll fight to clear your re-arrest warrant, protect your freedom, and give you peace of mind.