What If I Miss My Magistrates’ Court Hearing?

Missing your magistrates’ court hearing can have serious consequences. Whether it was an honest mistake, a medical emergency, or travel disruption, the court is unlikely to be sympathetic unless you act quickly and appropriately.

If you fail to attend and you were on bail, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. This could mean being picked up by the police and brought to court in custody. If you were charged with a driving offence, the court might proceed in your absence — and you could be convicted and sentenced without having a chance to explain yourself.

Magistrates take missed hearings seriously, but they also understand genuine mistakes can happen. The key is showing responsibility and providing evidence that explains your absence. If you've already been convicted without attending, you may be able to apply for the case to be reopened — something worth considering if you believe the court didn’t see your side of the story properly.

If you miss court, act immediately. Contact the court as soon as you realise. You may be asked to provide evidence, such as a doctor’s note or proof of a transport issue. A solicitor or legal adviser can also write to the court on your behalf, asking for the case to be reopened if a conviction was made in your absence.

It’s also worth understanding what common magistrates court mistakes people make, as many of them stem from poor preparation or lack of information. Avoiding those errors can make a big difference in how your case progresses.

Importantly, courts have discretion. If you can show a genuine reason for missing your hearing — and you respond quickly and respectfully — there may still be a chance to put things right.

Worried about what might happen if you’ve missed court? Our structured case reviews offer clear guidance from a serving magistrate, so you understand your options and how best to move forward.

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