If you want to reschedule a court date in Texas, you may need to let the court know by going there in person before the scheduled date or by mailing (an option in some counties).
Some regions may only give you a two weeks extension. It falls onto the Judge’s decision in the end.
Things to Know To Reschedule A Court Date
Rescheduling A Court Date
In most cases, a defendant should try contacting their lawyer to see if they can reschedule a court date. Otherwise, one may need to go to court physically and ask for a different date. If the court or judges allow prolonging it, you may often need to sign some paperwork.
Postponing A Court Date
If you are a defendant in a case in Texas, you can postpone a court date by relinquishing your speedy trial right. You may also need to request a continuance of the hearing. Any self-represented side should contact the court clerk about the motions to file. If you have an attorney, they should file the motions.
Rescheduling a Traffic Court Date
A defendant in Texas can reschedule a traffic court date by proceeding with the appropriate steps. In most cases, they or their attorney need to visit the court clerk in person or on the phone before the scheduled date to ask for a reschedule. Some courts and counties can have various laws about this.
What Happens If You Miss a Court Date in Texas?
Missing a court date in Texas or any other state can result in a severe problem for you. You may get sent to jail till the arraignment date by a detective or officer by getting an arrest warrant. Even more so, the judge may sentence you to jail if you are found guilty of failure to appear.
Can I Delay My Traffic Court Date?
Yes, you can delay your traffic court date in any state. But you need to request it to the court before your hearing. Otherwise, you may face a serious penalty. In most cases, it leads to being held in jail until arraignment.
What Happens If I Miss Small Claim Court in Texas?
Whether a small claim court or a serious one, the penalty for missing one is similar. You are getting the penalty here for failing to appear on court-summoned jury duty, so the case topic is irrelevant. The punishment is a fine of $100 or higher, 3 days in jail, or both.
Can I Change My Court Date to an Earlier Date?
Suppose you want to change your court date to an earlier date, file a form to the court mentioning the requested date and elaborating on the reason in detail. In case the other party concurs with your advanced date, you should mention that as well.
Final Note
Attending court on your scheduled date is extremely important. Average individuals usually don’t need to go to court even in their lifetime. But when you are summoned as the defendant or a witness, know that it holds great significance. So, consider rescheduling only when you have no way to attend it.