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Explanation of Failure to Appear/Failed to Appear in Criminal Law

"Failure to Appear" or "Failed to Appear" (FTA) simply means that the defendant did not appear for their court appearance. This can be a big problem or a small problem. If caught early sometimes the problem can be solved with an appearnce in front of the judge, an apology and the judge recalling the warrant. The more tim ethat passes the less likely the judge is to recall the warrant. Different judges have different polices concerning recalling warrants.

When a defendant fails to appear most judges will double or triple the bond and issue a bench warrant. In some sitautions a judge may issue a bench warrant and order a defendant to be held without bond after a failure to appear.

Return to the Oklahoma Criminal Law Guide