Missed Your Court Date in Louisiana? Here’s What to Do Next

What Happens When You Miss a Court Date?

In Louisiana, failing to appear in court is called “FTA” (Failure to Appear). As soon as you miss your scheduled court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. In many parishes, it happens the same day. This means:

• You can be arrested on sight
• You may be held without bond until you appear
• You risk additional criminal charges for contempt or bail jumping
• You may forfeit any bail you’ve already posted

Ignoring a missed court date won’t make it go away. In fact, the longer you wait, the worse it gets.

FTA in St. Tammany Parish

In St. Tammany Parish, court is held at the 22nd Judicial District Court in Covington and Slidell. Judges here move swiftly when someone fails to appear. A bench warrant is usually issued the same day and may be forwarded to local law enforcement for pickup.

Missed Court in Washington Parish

Washington Parish is also under the 22nd JDC, with court held in Franklinton. The judges here take court attendance seriously. If your case involves any felony or domestic matter, an FTA could significantly damage your defense, or worse, lead to a bond revocation.

The attorneys at James & Bradley Law Firm routinely work with the Washington Parish Clerk and District Attorney to resolve FTAs quickly and favorably. Often, we can appear in court on your behalf to quash the warrant without you being arrested.

Tangipahoa Parish: Don’t Wait to Fix It

In Tangipahoa Parish, which falls under the 21st Judicial District, court dates are held in Amite and Hammond. Failing to appear in either location can result in a warrant that follows you statewide.

Judges in Tangipahoa Parish may also place you on the bond forfeiture list, which can limit your ability to bond out on future charges. If you missed a court date in Tangipahoa, contact James & Bradley Law Firm immediately. We’ll act fast to get your matter reset and explain to the court what happened, before they assume the worst.

Livingston Parish: Handle It Before You’re Picked Up

Livingston Parish courts, located in the 21st JDC in Livingston, are strict about attendance. Once a bench warrant is issued, you’re subject to arrest anywhere in the state, including during a routine traffic stop. We’ve helped numerous clients in Livingston Parish avoid jail time by proactively addressing the missed court date. In some cases, we can recall the warrant the same day and help you get back on the judge’s calendar.

What If I Have a Good Excuse?

Many people miss court for completely understandable reasons:

• A mix-up with the date or time
• Transportation or health issues
• A family emergency
• Not receiving proper notice

But no matter how legitimate the excuse, the court won’t know that unless you act. Our job at James & Bradley Law Firm is to tell your side of the story, and fix the problem before it gets worse.

How We Can Help

At James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve helped clients in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parish:

• Quash bench warrants
• Get cases reset without an arrest
• Avoid additional charges like contempt of court
• Stay out of jail

Whether you missed court for a misdemeanor, felony, or even a traffic matter, we know how to approach each judge, DA, and courtroom staff to resolve the issue with as little fallout as possible.