Q: If I don't show up to a traffic court date will that be held against me.

A: Yes, it is very likely that it will be held against you. The degree to which it can harm you varies on the type of case. If it is a misdemeanor offense, a warrant for your arrest will likely issue with potentially greater ramifications. Common traffic misdemeanors include speeding more than 25 mph over the limit, driving while license is expired over 1 year, driving without valid ID, driving on suspended license).

If it is an insurance ticket, your license will most likely be suspended due to a conviction on that offense and you will wind up with a few thousand dollar bond forfeiture judgment against you. If it is a petty offense like a car accident ticket (most traffic offenses excluding the ones mentioned above), you will likely have an ex parte judgment of guilty entered against you and higher fines than you would ordinarily face. Depending on your driving record, this could result in a suspension of your driving privileges.

All of these are entirely avoidable circumstances that can be mitigated by showing up to court. If work prevents you from attending, my recommendation would be to contact an attorney. In petty offenses, an attorney can appear for you preventing you from missing work. If it is a misdemeanor case (it is a misdemeanor if your ticket says you must appear and it isn't an insurance ticket), you will be strongly urged by the judge to hire an attorney for the case and most often given a continuance .

My recommendation is to schedule a consultation that you might learn your options and decide if an attorney is the best option for you. Whatever you do, don't wait until the court date and don't miss the court date. Missing it is the worst thing you can do to your license and finances.

Hope that helps!