If you are arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Pinellas county, the Clerk of Court secures your mailing address for the purpose of sending you notices of future court appearance obligations. These notices are sent by regular US mail and are intended to arrive in a timely fashion. On occasion, the court notices are known to arrive in an inconvenient last minute-fashion. In other circumstances, they have been known to be mailed to an incorrect address.
A Failure to Appear Can Lead To a New Criminal Charge
Failing to appear for a mandatory court appearance (“FTA”) can be a serious matter. If you were previously released on your own recognizance, it is likely the judge will “revoke” your R.O.R. On the other hand, if you previously posted a surety bond through a bail bondsman or a cash bond and thereafter missed your court date, the judge will revoke your bond. In most circumstances a warrant or capias will be issued for your arrest. There are several ways to handle an outstanding Pinellas warrant and an experienced lawyer can discuss your best options.
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If you willfully fail to appear for a court appearance associated with a misdemeanor offense, the prosecutor can file a new additional misdemeanor charge. Florida Statute 843.15(1)(b)
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If you willfully fail to appear for a court appearance associated with a felony offense, the prosecutor can file a new additional felony charge. Florida Statute 843.15(1)(a)
These new FTA charges could subject you to penalties of a more significant nature then what you were facing on your original criminal charge.
Helping Clients Avoid an FTA Warrant
The law Offices of Russo & Russo have taken steps to structure a proprietary system of reminding clients of their court appearance obligations. They employ an integrated software system that sends clients a reminder of their court appearance date, time and courthouse location. Clients can receive these automated reminders as an email, text message or automated phone call. Email notifications have the additional advantage of including a link that provides both a map and driving directions. Russo & Russo clients can opt for one or all of the notification methods.
The technology system employed by the law office has the benefit of simultaneously notifying clients over multiple devices and has proven to be highly successful. The lawyers in the firm have applauded the system and rank its effectiveness as superior to the government’s antiquated “snail mail.” Attorney Tim Sullivan is firmly convinced that “Russo & Russo clients benefit from an additional layer of protection” typically not afforded by other law firms.”
St. Petersburg / Clearwater / Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Call a Former State Prosecutor who can help!
Attorneys Experienced With Outstanding Arrest Warrants.
Free Consultation: (727) 578-0303
Criminal Defense Solutions: www.defensehelp.com
Help With a Pinellas / St. Pete / Clearwater DUI: www.duistpetersburglawyer.com
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