Founder
A failure to appear (FTA) in court can have serious consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. In North Carolina, failing to appear for a scheduled court date can result in the issuance of a Failure to Appear (FTA) citation, which may lead to the suspension of your driver’s license by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in regaining your driving privileges. Here’s what to know about how to get your license back after failing to appear.
Understanding the Consequences of Failure to Appear
When you fail to appear for a scheduled court date in North Carolina, the court may issue an FTA citation, which notifies the NCDMV of your failure to comply with a court order. As a result, the NCDMV may suspend your driver’s license until you address the FTA and satisfy any outstanding obligations.
Steps to Get Your License Back After Failure to Appear:
- Address the FTA Citation: The first step in regaining your driving privileges is to address the FTA citation issued by the court. This may involve contacting the court clerk’s office to inquire about the specific requirements for resolving the FTA, such as appearing in court to address the matter or paying any associated fines or fees.
- Attend the Court Hearing: If the FTA citation requires you to appear in court, it’s crucial to attend the scheduled hearing to address the matter. At the hearing, you may have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding your failure to appear and request that the court lift the suspension of your driver’s license.
- Pay Fines and Fees: In some cases, resolving an FTA citation may require payment of fines, fees, or other court costs. Be sure to inquire about any outstanding financial obligations associated with the FTA and make arrangements to satisfy them promptly.
- Reinstate Your Driver’s License: Once you have addressed the FTA citation and satisfied any outstanding obligations, you can take steps to reinstate your driver’s license with the NCDMV. This may involve submitting proof of compliance with the court’s orders and paying any reinstatement fees required by the NCDMV.
- Follow Up with the NCDMV: After completing the necessary steps to address the FTA citation and reinstate your driver’s license, follow up with the NCDMV to ensure that your driving privileges have been restored. Be sure to confirm that your license status reflects the reinstatement and that you are legally authorized to drive.
Failure to appear in court can have serious consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. If you find yourself facing a license suspension due to an FTA citation in North Carolina, it’s essential to take prompt action to address the matter and regain your driving privileges. By following the steps outlined above and seeking guidance from a knowledgeable North Carolina attorney, you can navigate the process of getting your license back after failing to appear and move forward with confidence.
The Attorneys at Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Help Those in North Carolina Who Have Lost Their License After Failing to Appear in Court
If you have lost your license after failing to appear in court, it’s important to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney familiar with North Carolina’s ticket laws. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!