Failure to Appear (FTA) status in court is when an individual fails to show up for their appointed court date. This usually happens because the individual forgot their court date, didn’t know their court date, or simply chose not to appear. If an individual doesn’t comply with the terms set forth in their FTA notice, they may be arrested.
What happens if you do get an FTA status
If you have been given a FTA status, the legal penalties can be tough to cope with. You might find yourself in court fighting for your innocence, or having to pay fees. Your driver’s license may also be suspended or you could end up in jail on a bench warrant. If any of these sound foreign to you, it is crucial that you are aware of your rights and available options. A professional lawyer can guide you through the process and protect what is rightfully yours. With reliable assistance, together we can work towards getting the best result possible from this case before it takes over your life.
What you can do to not get FTA status
If you’re given a traffic ticket, the police officer will also assign you a date to appear in court. This is the day you must go or risk your case being moved to Failure to Appear (FTA) status.
You must speak with the court or hire an attorney if you are unable to go to your court date. The court will need a good explanation for why you can’t be there and may or not decide to let you reschedule.
What does it mean to have an FTA at Atlanta Municipal Court
The Atlanta Municipal Court sees residents for a multitude of infractions and cases. Although many people think this court only presides over more major crimes, it also covers things like parking and speeding tickets. Additionally, there is an entire court section devoted to FTAs in Atlanta Municipal court – so it’s crucial to understand what “failure to appear” status means within this context.
If you don’t show up for your Atlanta Municipal Court date, you’ll get a FTA notice that states your original charges and any additional charges you now have because of not appearing.
If you FTA, or fail to comply with the terms of your court date notice, an arrest warrant could be issued immediately. This would allow law enforcement to take you into custody at any time without warning. The best course of action if you have received a FTA notice is showing up for your appointed court date and explaining the situation to the judge. Oftentimes, first-time offenders with clean records are given another chance.
What to do once you get an FTA status
If you’ve been charged with a crime and have FTA status, it’s important to take the situation seriously. The court process can be confusing and intimidating, but with the help of a lawyer, you can navigate it successfully. Keep these things in mind as you move forward:
- Don’t worry if you have Failure to Appear status at the Atlanta Municipal Court. We can help you through the process and make sure that you’re taken care of every step of the way.
- Contact us today to get started helping you move forward and move on.
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