Civil Court

• The case may be dismissed if you miss your court date. If it's dismissed with prejudice, you can never re-file in the future. If you are the defendant, the plaintiff may be awarded the entire case, and the outcome is legally binding.
  
  

Traffic Court

• If you fail to appear for a speeding ticket, a separate penalty charge for the "failure to appear" will be attached to your speeding ticket. A bench warrant can be issued, and your license may be suspended.
  
  

Criminal Court

• A trial cannot take place without the defendant present in criminal cases. However, a bench warrant for your arrest will be issued. The judge can then order you to pay bail, or deny bail and order you to remain in holding until the end of the trial. If you miss a felony court hearing, you can spend up to one year in prison and up incur up to $5000 in fines as of 2009.
  
  

Jury Duty

• When summoned for jury duty and you have not provided a written legal excuse, you must appear in court on the date issued. If you fail to appear, the court may issue a bench warrant for being in contempt of court, or attach punitive fines for your absence.
  
  

What to Do

• Contact a lawyer immediately and discuss your options. Arranging a new court date as soon as possible will always be the best solution.