What happens if I miss my court date in Minnesota?

If you miss a court date in a criminal case in Minnesota, the judge will usually issue a bench warrant for your arrest. That means law enforcement can take you into custody at any time until the warrant is cleared, in addition to other important consequences. If you’ve missed a court date, promptly contact a criminal defense attorney who can resolve the issue. Here’s what happens when you miss a court date in Minnesota.

A Warrant Will Likely Be Issued

If you miss a required court appearance in a criminal case in Minnesota, the judge will usually issue a bench warrant for your arrest. We see this most often when a defendant has not hired a lawyer yet and misses their first appearance or arraignment hearing. When a judge issues a bench warrant, that means law enforcement has the authority to take you into custody at any time—during a routine traffic stop, at home, or even at work—and bring you before the court. A failure to appear can also result in additional criminal charges.

If you missed court but you’re not sure if a warrant was issued, contact a criminal defense attorney who can check the court file, confirm whether a warrant was issued, and guide your next step.

The most important thing is to act quickly. Bench warrants don’t expire, so the problem won’t go away. The warrant will remain active until you appear before the judge or the warrant is formally “quashed” (canceled).

Your Case Could Get Harder to Defend

Aside from the risk of being arrested and charged with an additional offense, there are other important consequences to ignoring a bench warrant. The court and prosecutor might view it as a sign that you’re avoiding responsibility or not taking your case seriously. This could make it more difficult for your attorney to negotiate favorable outcomes in your case, such as pre-trial release conditions, plea agreements, or alternatives to prison sentences. In addition, if you previously posted bail, the court can forfeit it, meaning that money is lost unless the judge reinstates it after you appear.

The Warrant Can Often Be “Quashed” or Cleared

In many cases, your attorney can ask the court to quash (cancel) the warrant and schedule a new hearing date. The best approach depends on your situation: for misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, your lawyer may be able to appear on your behalf and explain the missed date, sometimes without you being taken into custody. For felonies, you’ll almost always need to appear with your attorney, but your attorney can often coordinate a voluntary appearance to avoid a surprise arrest. If you contact a defense lawyer promptly, they can contact the court and prosecutor to arrange the safest way to resolve the warrant and move forward with your case.

Good Faith and Swift Action Matter

As long as you deal with it promptly, a bench warrant won’t be the end of the world. Judges and prosecutors understand that life happens: cars break down, kids get sick, notices get lost in the mail. What truly matters is how you deal with the problem. If you appear voluntarily or through counsel before being arrested on the warrant, that good-faith effort often helps reduce negative consequences. Be prepared to explain what happened. Documentation (like medical emergencies, transportation issues, or miscommunication) can help your attorney persuade the court to reinstate bail and reset your case.

Preventing It from Happening Again

Going forward, make sure the court always has your current mailing address. Your attorney will correct any problems, track your court dates, and remind you directly, so it’s also crucial to make sure your attorney has your current address, phone number, and email address. If you have a scheduling conflict, don’t leave it up to chance. If your conflict is truly unavoidable, your attorney can contact the court to see if your hearing can be rescheduled.

The Bottom Line

A missed court date is serious, but it doesn’t have to ruin your case. Acting quickly, with help from a Minnesota criminal defense lawyer, can prevent arrest, restore your bail, and get your case back on track.

Need help resolving a missed court date or active warrant? Our firm helps clients across Minnesota fix missed appearances, clear warrants, and move forward with confidence. Contact the attorneys at Sieben & Cotter for help or a free, comprehensive case review. Call 651-455-1555 to arrange your consultation, or send a request for more information.