Missing a court date in Monterey County — even by accident — can lead to serious consequences. Whether it was a traffic matter, misdemeanor, or a felony case, failing to appear in court (known as FTA) triggers a legal response that can impact your freedom, your bail, and your future.
If you or a loved one missed court, don’t panic — but do take action immediately. In this post, we’ll explain what happens next, how bail is affected, and how Balboa Bail Bonds in Monterey County can help you get back on track.
1. A Bench Warrant Is Issued
When a defendant misses their scheduled court appearance, the judge will usually issue a bench warrant. This allows law enforcement to:
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Arrest the person at any time
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Book them back into jail
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Hold them without bail in some cases
Warrants show up on background checks and can result in additional criminal charges.
2. Bail May Be Forfeited
If you were released on bail (or through a bail bond) and miss court, the court may revoke the bail and keep the full amount.
If you used a bail bond, the bond company may:
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Try to locate and surrender the defendant
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Seek repayment from the co-signer
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File a motion to reinstate the bond if the defendant returns voluntarily
💡 Read more about how the bail process works here:
📖 How to Post Bail in Monterey County
3. You Can Turn Yourself In — And Sometimes Reinstate the Bond
If you act fast, you may be able to clear the warrant and avoid re-arrest by:
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Turning yourself in at the court or jail
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Contacting your bail bond company to assist with reinstatement
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Having your attorney file a motion to recall the warrant
At Balboa Bail Bonds, we regularly help clients reinstate bail and guide them through this process with minimal disruption.
4. Expect Harsher Bail Conditions the Second Time
Even if you resolve the issue, courts are less likely to be lenient after a missed appearance. You may face:
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Higher bail amounts
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Stricter release conditions
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Ineligibility for future bail in serious cases
That’s why it’s critical to stay ahead of the problem and contact your bail agent immediately.
5. How to Prevent Missing Court Again
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Double-check your court date and location
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Set multiple reminders on your phone
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Notify your bail agent or attorney of any scheduling conflicts
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Arrive early on the day of court — being late is sometimes treated the same as not showing up
Conclusion
Missing court in Monterey County doesn’t have to ruin your case — but the longer you wait, the worse it gets. The best thing you can do is contact your bail bond company or attorney and start resolving the issue immediately.
📞 If you’re unsure what to do, call Balboa Bail Bonds or visit our Monterey Bail Bonds page. We’ll help you understand your options, clear warrants, and get back on track — fast.