Blogs from December, 2024

Missing a court date is a crime, and while it can happen for various reasons – from unavoidable emergencies like a car breakdown or medical issues, you should treat the situation seriously.

Failing to appear in court, whether for an arraignment or another hearing, can result in serious consequences in Virginia. Understanding these outcomes can help you better navigate the legal system and minimize potential penalties. In the following blog, we examine Virginia law regarding missing court appearances, the consequences, and the steps one can take to address the situation.

Consequences of Missing a Court Date in Virginia

Failing to appear in court (commonly referred to as "failure to appear" or FTA) does have repercussions. The severity of the consequences largely depends on the nature of the case, whether it's a misdemeanor or felony, and your ability to provide a valid explanation for your absence.

You Can Be Tried in Your Absence: If you fail to appear for a scheduled court date, Virginia law permits the court to proceed with the trial without you present. This means:

• The trial will proceed normally, focusing on the available evidence and testimonies.
• You will not be able to defend yourself, provide explanations, or offer mitigating factors, which could result in a more severe judgment.

To address the consequences of being tried in your absence, you can file either an appeal or a motion to rehear:

• Appeal: Most Virginia District Courts allow you to appeal the court's decision within 10 calendar days of the judgment.
• Motion to Rehear: If the appeal window has passed, you may still request a rehearing by filing a motion within 60 days. The court will review your reasoning and decide whether to rehear the case.

You’ll Need to Show a Valid Reason for Missing Court: When you file an appeal or a motion to rehear, the court often issues a document known as a Rule to Show Cause for Contempt of Court. While this is not an arrest warrant, it does require you to:

• Appear before the court and explain why you failed to show up for your scheduled date.
• Provide a valid and justifiable reason for missing court. Examples could include medical emergencies or unavoidable circumstances backed by documentation.

If your explanation is deemed insufficient or unjustifiable, you could face penalties for contempt of court. This may include fines or jail time, depending on the circumstances.

A Warrant for Your Arrest May Be Issued: Repeatedly failing to appear in court can lead to the court issuing a Capias (a warrant of arrest for failure to appear). This arrest warrant exposes you to additional charges, which will likely worsen the outcome of your original case. Key considerations include:

• How the Warrant is Served: Law enforcement can apprehend you at your home, during a traffic stop, or even at work, significantly impacting your personal and professional reputation.
• Added Charges: The FTA may result in new criminal charges, which would add legal complexity and potential penalties to the original case.

Avoiding the issuance of a warrant should be a priority. If a warrant has already been issued, seeking legal counsel promptly is essential for addressing the situation effectively.

Penalties Depend on the Type of Case

Virginia law divides the penalties for failure to appear based on whether the original case involves a misdemeanor or a felony.

These classifications are outlined under Virginia Code §19.2-128:

• Misdemeanor Cases:
  • Failing to appear is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Penalties include up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
• Felony Cases:
  • Failing to appear is charged as a Class 6 felony.
  • Punishment includes up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

For felony cases, additional consequences often arise. For example:

• If you had a secured bond before your initial court date, the court may revoke your bond upon your re-arrest. You might remain in custody until your case is resolved.
• Felony FTAs can create challenges that compromise your ability to defend yourself effectively.

What Should You Do if You Miss Court?

If circumstances beyond your control caused you to miss a court date, acting swiftly can help limit the consequences.

• Contact the Court Immediately: Notify the court clerk immediately after missing your court appearance. Explain the situation and ask for the next steps. This proactive approach could reflect positively on you.
• Prepare Evidence of Valid Reasons: If legitimate reasons (like illness, emergencies, or unavoidable conflicts) caused your absence, gather evidence such as:

• • Doctor’s notes or hospital records
  • Police reports (e.g., for accidents)
  • Documentation of sudden and unexpected emergencies

• File a Motion to Rehear (if applicable): If you were tried in your absence and convicted, submit a motion to rehear as soon as possible within the required timeline. This offers the court a chance to reevaluate the case, providing you with the opportunity to present your defense effectively.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Whether you’re trying to handle an FTA warrant, file an appeal, or resolve an ongoing case, consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. They can guide you through the legal nuances and present your case effectively.
• Avoid Repeat Offenses: Missing another court date after your initial FTA compounds the legal consequences exponentially. Always prioritize future court appearances and set reminders to avoid any missteps.

Best Practices to Avoid Missing Court

Attending court is a serious responsibility, and missing your appearance can have significant consequences. These practical tips will help you stay prepared and ensure you’re ready for your court date.

• Mark Your Calendar: Use digital tools like phone reminders or physical calendars to keep your court date front and center. Set multiple alerts to ensure you’re prepared well in advance.
• Plan Your Day Early: Arrange transportation, childcare, and any other responsibilities ahead of time. Research potential delays, such as traffic or public transit issues, and have a backup plan ready.
• Stay in Touch with Your Attorney: Keep regular communication with your lawyer. They can clarify what to expect and help you stay organized for your court appearance.
• Inform the Court of Conflicts Quickly: If something unavoidable comes up, like a medical emergency, contact the court as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling options. This helps demonstrate responsibility.
• Double-check the Details: Confirm your court date, time, and location. Misreading instructions is a common but avoidable mistake.
• Prepare the Night Before: Lay out everything you’ll need, including paperwork and identification. This will save you from scrambling in the morning.

By staying proactive and organized, you’ll minimize the chance of missing your important court date.

The Main Take Away: Court Dates are Serious

Missing a court appearance in Virginia can lead to serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and damage to your legal and personal reputation. Failing to appear (FTA) in court can lead to serious consequences, including being tried in your absence, facing arrest warrants, and dealing with harsher penalties. These issues can greatly complicate your case.

That said, every situation is unique. Providing valid justifications for your absence and seeking professional legal counsel can drastically improve your outcomes. Remember, the court system values honesty and proactive measures. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a missed court date, act quickly, present your case thoroughly, and avoid repeating the same mistake.

If the team at The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller can help you with this or any other matter, please call us at (757) 267-4949 or contact our team online today.

Are you unclear about what constitutes trespassing in Virginia and the potential consequences? Whether you're a property owner looking to protect your rights or a Virginia resident worried about overstepping legal boundaries, understanding the law is crucial.

The following blog breaks down everything you need to know about trespassing in Virginia, including what it legally means, the possible penalties, how jail time could result, and whether hiring an attorney is necessary.

What Does Trespassing Mean in Virginia?

Trespassing in Virginia is not just about being on someone else's property—it's about doing so against their explicit instructions or warnings. It is governed by Virginia Code Section § 18.2-119, often referred to as “Trespass after being forbidden.”

For a court to convict you of trespassing, the following elements must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt:

• You were on someone’s property.
• You were explicitly requested not to enter the property, either verbally, in writing, or through a clearly visible posted sign.
• The person requesting you to stay off the property had the lawful authority to make such a demand.
• You had no legal right to be on the property.

If these conditions are met, the court may rule that trespassing has occurred.

How Are No-Trespassing Requests Communicated?

A request to stay off a property can take multiple forms, including:

• Verbal Communication: A property owner asks you not to enter their premises.
• Written Notices: You might receive a letter or official notification.
• Posted Signs: Signs such as "Keep Out," "No Trespassing," or "Private Property" legally serve as warnings. For these signs to hold legal weight, they must be clearly visible and placed in an area where they are likely to be noticed.

Ignoring these warnings—even on a seemingly harmless visit—could land you in legal trouble.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Is it Not Trespassing?

There are some situations where you may legally be on someone else's property, making trespassing allegations invalid:

• Permission Granted by the Owner: If the property owner has allowed you on their premises, either explicitly or implicitly, you cannot be charged with trespassing during that time.
• Legal Rights of Access: If you are a tenant renting property, your landlord cannot deny you access to the premises without going through the proper legal eviction process, even if they make a verbal or written demand that you leave.

These exceptions can have a significant impact on whether a trespassing charge is valid in court.

Is Trespassing a Serious Crime or a Minor Infraction in Virginia?

Trespassing in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor classification under Virginia law. This means it is far from being a minor slap on the wrist.

If convicted, you could face the following consequences:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• A fine of up to $2,500
• A legal order prohibiting you from entering the same property again

Additionally, a conviction for trespassing will appear on your criminal record, potentially affecting future job prospects, housing applications, and other opportunities.

Do Intentions Matter in Trespassing Cases?

Unlike minor misunderstandings, intent plays a significant role in trespassing cases in Virginia. If you unknowingly enter someone’s property—such as accidentally crossing into a neighbor’s yard while looking for your lost pet—the legal system may view this differently than willfully ignoring a "No Trespassing" sign.

That said, the prosecutor could still file charges, so it’s vital to explain your circumstances clearly if accused.

Can You Go to Jail for Trespassing in Virginia?

Yes, you can go to jail for trespassing. Although jail time is often reserved for more severe or repeated offenses, the maximum sentence for trespassing is a 12-month imprisonment.

Courts may consider factors such as:

• Whether you have prior convictions—or a history of ignoring no-trespassing warnings
• Whether other wrongful acts, such as theft or property damage accompanied your trespass
• The nature of the property you trespassed on (e.g., entering government property could carry heightened legal scrutiny)

Since jail time and a criminal record are serious and lasting consequences, it is essential to handle trespassing charges carefully.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Trespassing Charge?

If you have been accused of trespassing, hiring an experienced attorney is strongly recommended. A skilled lawyer can:

• Evaluate whether the legal requirements for trespassing have been met in your specific case.
• Determine if exceptions apply, such as whether you had permission or legal rights to access the property.
• Build a strong defense tailored to the circumstances of your case.

For example, an attorney might argue that the "No Trespassing" sign was not clearly visible or that the person who issued the no-entry order did not have the legal authority to bar you from entering the property. Additionally, an attorney can work to mitigate the consequences of a conviction, such as negotiating reduced fines or helping you avoid jail time altogether.

Defenses Against Trespassing Charges

Every trespassing case is unique, but some possible defenses include:

• Lack of Proper Notice: If no clear request was communicated (verbally, in writing, or via signage), trespassing cannot be proven.
• Legal Justification: If you performed a legally required action, such as delivering court documents, your presence on the property may be protected under the law.
• Permission Revoked Without Proper Process: If you’re a tenant, landlords must follow eviction proceedings before restricting access to the property.

Establishing these defenses demands a deep understanding of the legal system and the specific details of your case, highlighting the critical need for skilled legal representation.

Contact The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller Today

Trespassing in Virginia is far more than an inconvenience; it can lead to hefty fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you're a property owner or an individual accused of trespassing, understanding the law is the first step toward protecting your rights and interests.

If you’ve been charged with trespassing or want to ensure your property is better protected against unwanted intrusions, consulting an attorney is an important first move. Legal cases are far from one-size-fits-all, and the right guidance can make all the difference in a successful outcome.

If the legal team at The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller can help you with a trespassing charge or any other matter, please call us at (757) 267-4949or by contacting our team online.