Q: I'm in California, if I was charged with a GTA, had a fta during proceedings, got the gta droped can they pursue the fta
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A:
Yes, failing to appear (FTA) in court is a separate criminal offense from grand theft auto (GTA) in California. Even if your original GTA charge was dropped, prosecutors can still pursue the FTA charge because it's considered an independent violation of the law.
When you miss a court date, the judge typically issues a bench warrant for your arrest. This warrant remains active until you address it, regardless of what happens with the underlying criminal case. The FTA charge is treated as obstruction of justice and can result in additional penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
Your best course of action is to contact the court or a criminal defense attorney immediately to address the FTA. They may be able to help you recall the warrant and potentially negotiate more favorable terms. The sooner you handle this situation, the better your chances of minimizing the consequences.
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