Discussions

Valid defenses for failing to appear in court focus on demonstrating legitimate reasons for missing the scheduled date. One defense is lack of proper notice, where the defendant never received the court summons. A medical emergency that required immediate attention can also be a valid defense, proving that attending was impossible. Unexpected transportation issues, such as a car breakdown or canceled flight, may also be used if properly documented. In some cases, severe weather conditions that hindered travel can serve as a defense. Another is family emergencies, like a sudden illness or death of a close relative. Additionally, if the defendant was incarcerated or detained at the time of the court date, this can be a legitimate reason. Proper documentation or proof is often required to support these claims.