What happens if I don’t show up to court for a traffic ticket?

If you do not appear in court for a traffic ticket in Virginia, a few things could happen. First, the judge could issue a bench warrant, which means you are wanted by the police. This will stay on your record and can negatively impact your ability to travel, apply for certain jobs, or even get loans. Second, you could be charged with Failure to Appear (FTA) in court. This is a criminal charge and is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail, a $2500 fine, or both. Third, the court could issue a civil contempt citation. This means the court believes you willfully disobeyed a court order and can result in fines, jail time, or both. Finally, if the court has a warrant and you fail to appear in court, you could be arrested and brought back to the court in handcuffs. In any of the above scenarios, a lawyer is highly recommended to help you navigate the court process and avoid further charges.

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What happens if I don’t show up to court for a traffic ticket?

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