Uniform Misdemeanor Citation and Complaint Form - Bench Warrants; Failure to Appear(1) If a defendant fails to appear at the time and place specified in the citation, the Court, absent a finding of sufficient excuse for their failure to appear at the time and place specified in the citation, shall issue a warrant ordering the apprehension of the defendant and commanding that he or she be brought before the court to answer the charge contained within the citation and the charge of his or her failure to appear as required. The defendant shall then be allowed to make a reasonable bond to appear on a given date before the court.(2) The court may, in its discretion, establish a procedure to informally notify defendants in other manners including by phone, electronic message or mail using any contact information known to the court. Any such notification is in addition to any notice as required by law.(3) When a citation is issued and the defendant fails to appear for court or otherwise dispose of his or her charges before his or her scheduled court appearance as stated on the citation, prior to the court issuing a bench warrant, the clerk of court may notify the defendant by first-class mail or by postcard at the address listed on the citation of his or her failure to appear. Such notice shall be dated and allow the defendant 30 days from such date to dispose of his or her charges or waive arraignment and plead not guilty. If after the expiration of such 30 day period the defendant fails to dispose of his or her charges or waive arraignment and plead not guilty, the court may issue a warrant. The court is not required, however, to institute any such procedure and may issue a warrant without delay.Unif. Misd. Cit. & R., Rules for Use of Uniform Misdemeanor Citation, Accusation & Summons, Uniform Misdemeanor Citation and Complaint Form - Bench Warrants; Failure to Appear
Amended effective July 1, 2019.