What is the consequence of a defendant failing to appear in court?

When a defendant fails to appear in court, the typical consequence is that a warrant is issued for their arrest and the bail bond may be forfeited. This action reflects the legal obligation that defendants have to attend their scheduled court proceedings. The issuance of a warrant signifies that law enforcement is instructed to locate and arrest the individual who did not appear, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to court schedules.

Additionally, forfeiting the bail bond serves as a financial repercussion for the defendant or the party that posted bail on their behalf. This process underscores the expectation that bail is a temporary allowance for pretrial release, contingent upon the defendant's compliance with court appearances. Hence, the legal system seeks to maintain its integrity and ensure that defendants are incentivized to return to court as required.