In Kansas, failure to appear in court when required can have serious consequences, including penalties imposed by the court. The specific penalties for failure to appear can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the judge.

Common consequences may include…

1. Bench Warrant – When a defendant fails to appear in court as required, the judge may issue a bench warrant for their arrest. A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest the defendant and bring them before the court.

2. Forfeiture of Bail – If the defendant has posted bail or bond to secure their release pending trial, failure to appear may result in the forfeiture of the bail or bond. This means that the defendant may lose the money or collateral they posted to secure their release.

3. Additional Charges – Failure to appear may result in the filing of additional criminal charges, such as “failure to appear” or “contempt of court.” These charges can carry their penalties, including fines and potential jail time.

4. License Suspension – In some cases, failure to appear may result in the suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license or other professional licenses.

5. Revocation of Probation or Bail Conditions – If the defendant is on probation or subject to other court-ordered conditions, failure to appear may result in the revocation of probation or the imposition of additional conditions.

It’s necessary to take failure to appear seriously and to address any outstanding warrants or legal obligations promptly. If you are unable to appear in court as required, it’s advisable to contact the court as soon as possible to explain the circumstances and seek guidance on how to proceed. Ignoring a court summons or failing to appear can result in further legal consequences and may complicate your case.