The Brief
What You Need to Know. No More, No Less.
What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Massachusetts?
Missed your court date? Learn what happens next and how to fix it before it leads to a warrant or further penalties.
Missing a court date—even by accident—can create serious problems. The judge may enter a default against you and issue a bench warrant.
What should you do?
- Contact a lawyer immediately
- File a motion to remove the default
- Prepare any supporting documents (hospital records, flight delays, etc.)
If you act fast and have a valid reason, judges are often willing to remove the default and reinstate your case. But if you ignore the problem, it gets worse:
- Your license may be suspended
- You could be arrested on a warrant
- Future bail may be denied or increased
I help clients resolve missed court dates all the time. The key is acting fast—and presenting your side professionally.
What Is a Default in Massachusetts?
Missing court can trigger a clerk’s default. Learn what it means, what the consequences are, and how a lawyer can fix it.
A default happens when you fail to appear in court for a scheduled hearing. Once defaulted, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
Consequences of a default:
- A bench warrant may be issued
- Your driver’s license may be suspended
- Bail may be set higher if you’re arrested
- The judge may be less lenient moving forward
Fortunately, defaults can often be removed. I regularly file motions to remove default, explain the circumstances, and get cases reinstated. Courts are generally more forgiving if:
- This is your first default
- You act quickly to fix it
- You have a legitimate reason (e.g., medical emergency)
If you missed court, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to undo the damage.