Because failure to appear in court doesn’t sound as serious as other criminal charges, such as rape or murder, people often underestimate just how damaging a bench warrant can really be. The reality of the matter is that you become open to numerous, potentially long-lasting penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and the forfeiture of certain legal opportunities. It is critically important that you have the support of an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney to help you face this matter.

Victor Knapp, Esq., has over 40 years of experience representing thousands of clients facing a wide variety of charges in Queens and throughout the five-borough area. Victor Knapp can offer assistance in matters of:

• Bench Warrant Expungements
• Bail Jumping Charges
• Rendition and Extradition
• Bail Remission Applications

Time is of the essence in handling these cases, so call our firm right away to arrange for a private case evaluation.

Failure to appear for a court proceeding can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. Additional negative consequences can include:

• Permanent appearance on your record, which often results in either a denial of bail, or the setting of bail in an amount higher

• than it would have been otherwise.
• The forfeiture of cash bail or the appearance bond previously posted on behalf of the client, though in some circumstances this forfeiture can be appealed or forgiven.
• Increased likelihood of facing a subsequent charge of bail jumping, which can be classed as a misdemeanor or even felony in addition to the original crime.
• The institution of rendition or extradition proceedings if the client is apprehended or detained in another state.
• The possibility of a negative inference being drawn by a jury at the ultimate trial of the initial criminal case, based upon an argument of consciousness of guilt.
• The automatic establishment of probable cause to stop, arrest, and search the individual with the bench warrant, which can sometimes spill over to his or her companions at the time of the stop.
• Potentially being listed not only in law enforcement databases, but also in publicly circulated magazines, e.g. the Long Island Fugitive Finder. These publications invite the general public to call Crime Stopper telephone numbers to report the location of absconders.

Failure to appear for a court proceeding can result in the judge issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. Additional negative consequences can include:

• Permanent appearance on your record, which often results in either a denial of bail, or the setting of bail in an amount higher

A person can be charged with bail jumping in New York if he or she does not appear in court within 30 days of the date of their last required court appearance.

Bail jumping is a criminal offense under Article 215 of the New York Penal Code.

The fact that a person was previously released on their own recognizance without having to post bail is not a defense to a subsequent bail jumping charge.

Furthermore, prosecutors typically welcome the opportunity to charge a defendant with bail jumping, as it gives them extra leverage in prosecuting the pending criminal case. Even if the prosecutor initially had a weak charge to work with, a failure to appear in court can transfer the bargaining power back to the prosecutor, which generally results in a less favorable outcome for the defendant.

For all of these reasons, non-appearance in court is generally a counterproductive strategy which both makes the existing situation worse, and fails to provide any solution or appeal of its own.

Fortunately, you don’t have to meet this challenge alone. Victor Knapp, Esq., has decades of practical experience to bring to your case.

It is best to address these matters as soon as possible, so call Victor Knapp right away at (718) 263-9000 to set up your private consultation. You can also contact us online.