What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Texas? What San Angelo Residents Need to Know

Grace Holman
Feb 13
2 min read

Missing a court date is more serious than many people realize. Whether it happens because of confusion, stress, or a simple mistake, failing to appear can quickly turn a manageable situation into a much bigger problem.

At Angelo Bail Bonds in San Angelo, Texas, we’ve seen how often missed court dates lead to unnecessary complications. This guide explains what happens if you miss court in Texas and what to do immediately if it happens.

What Does “Failure to Appear” Mean in Texas?

When a defendant does not show up for a scheduled court appearance, the court may issue a Failure to Appear (FTA). This applies whether the original charge was minor or serious.

Once an FTA is issued, the consequences can escalate quickly.

Consequences of Missing a Court Date

If a court date is missed in Texas, the court may:

Issue a warrant for arrest
Revoke the bail bond
Add additional charges or fines
Hold the co-signer financially responsible
Make it harder to secure bail in the future

Even one missed appearance can undo weeks or months of progress.

What Happens to the Bail Bond?

When a defendant fails to appear:

The bond can be forfeited
The court may demand the full bail amount
The bondsman may be required to locate and return the defendant to custody

This is why staying in communication with your bondsman is so important.

If You Missed Court, Act Immediately

If you or a loved one has missed a court date, do not ignore it. Acting quickly can sometimes help reduce the damage.

Steps to take right away:

Call your bail bondsman immediately
Contact your attorney as soon as possible
Do not attempt to leave the area
Follow all instructions given to resolve the issue

At Angelo Bail Bonds, we help guide clients through next steps when mistakes happen. Time matters.

How to Avoid Missing Court Dates

The best way to protect yourself and your bond is preparation:

Save court dates in your phone with reminders
Keep all paperwork in one place
Arrange transportation ahead of time
Ask questions if anything is unclear

We encourage all clients to call us if they’re unsure about a date or requirement—no question is too small.

Why Communication Matters

One of the most common reasons court dates are missed is misunderstanding paperwork or court instructions. Open communication with your bondsman can prevent serious consequences.

With 28+ years of experience, Angelo Bail Bonds works closely with clients to make sure expectations are clear and support is available.