What Happens If You Miss a Court Date for DUI in Maryland?

Missing a court date for a DUI charge in Maryland can feel like the worst-case scenario. Whether it was a scheduling mistake, travel issue, or just plain fear, failing to appear doesn’t make the problem go away. In fact, it can create a whole new set of legal troubles. Here’s what you need to know and how you can take immediate action to protect yourself.

Failure to Appear Is a Separate Offense

Under Maryland law, not showing up for a scheduled court date is considered a separate offense. According to Criminal Procedure section 5-212, failure to appear (FTA) can result in:

A bench warrant for your arrest
Additional criminal charges
Possible jail time
Suspension of your driver’s license
Forfeiture of any bail previously posted

Immediate Consequences of Missing Your DUI Court Date

Bench Warrant Issued

Once the court determines you’ve failed to appear, a judge will likely issue a bench warrant. This means law enforcement can arrest you at home, work, or during a routine traffic stop.

License Suspension

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will be notified, which can trigger an administrative license suspension. This happens automatically and can complicate future MVA hearings.

Damage to Your DUI Defense

Missing court can also hurt your chances of a favorable outcome in your DUI case. Prosecutors may be less inclined to offer plea deals, and judges may view you as unreliable or disrespectful to the court process.

Can You Fix a Missed Court Date?

Yes, but you must act quickly. A criminal defense attorney can help you:

File a Motion to Recall the Bench Warrant
Request a new court date
Mitigate the penalties associated with FTA

In many cases, judges are more willing to work with individuals who show they are taking the situation seriously and are represented by legal counsel.

Out-of-State Drivers: You’re Not Off the Hook

If you were charged with DUI while visiting Maryland but live in another state, missing a court date can still lead to serious consequences. Maryland participates in the National Driver Register and Driver License Compact, which means your home state can be notified of your FTA and take reciprocal action.

Read more on Out-of-State DUI in Maryland.

What To Do If You Missed Court

Don’t ignore it. The longer you wait, the more serious the penalties can become.
Contact a DUI attorney immediately. They can advise on next steps and potentially handle the situation without your immediate presence.
Gather documentation. If you had a legitimate reason (medical emergency, incorrect date, etc.), be ready to present proof.

Why You Need a DUI Attorney

Legal representation is critical. At FrizWoods, we help clients resolve FTAs, recall bench warrants, and build strong defenses against DUI charges. Whether you live in Maryland or were just passing through, we’re here to help.

Learn more about our DUI Defense services or reach out and contact us for a free consultation.

FAQs

Q: Will I go to jail for missing my DUI court date?

A: Not always, but a bench warrant may lead to your arrest. Prompt legal action can often prevent jail time.

Q: Can a lawyer appear for me if I missed court?

A: In many cases, yes. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant and request a new hearing date.

Free Consultation