Missed Court in Michigan: What Happens Next

Michigan failure to appear law

In Michigan, missing a required court date after release can be charged as its own crime. The statute grades it by the kind of case:

• Released on a felony charge: felony. Absconding on or forfeiting a bond in a criminal proceeding where a felony is charged is a felony. (MCL 750.199a)

  Any person who shall abscond on or forfeit a bond given in any criminal proceedings wherein a felony is charged shall be deemed guilty of a felony.

When a date is missed, the court’s order is called a bench warrant (MCL 764.3).

Driver’s license after a missed traffic date in Michigan

After a failure to answer a citation for a suspendable violation, the court mails a notice; if the person does not appear or comply within 14 days, the Secretary of State must suspend the license. (MCL 257.321a)

if the individual fails to appear or fails to comply with the order or judgment within 14 days after the notice is issued, the secretary of state shall suspend the individual's operator's or chauffeur's license.

Bail and bonds after a missed date in Michigan

The court must set aside the forfeiture within 1 year of the forfeiture judgment if the person is apprehended, the ends of justice were not thwarted and the county is repaid its costs. (MCL 765.15)

Window to ask the court to set the forfeiture aside: Within 1 year of the forfeiture judgment.

To compare what posting bail costs in Michigan, see the Michigan bail bond calculator.

How to deal with a missed date in Michigan

Only the court that set the date can recall a warrant or give a new date. Contact that court’s clerk, or the lawyer or public defender on the case, who can ask the court to recall or quash the warrant.

• The court system’s own guide: Michigan Court Rules, chapter 6 (MCR 6.105: voluntary appearance on a warrant)
• Official case search: Michigan courts case search (MiCOURT)
• How to check for a warrant in Michigan