Can't Appear in Court?

REMEMBER, FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT CAN LEAD TO YOUR ARREST AND INCARCERATION

If you cannot appear in Municipal Court, do as many of the following as soon as you can:

  • If you are a Defendant or a party to a case and have an attorney representing you, call your attorney as soon as you know you cannot appear at your scheduled time.
  • Call the Clerk of Courts in Vermilion Municipal Court. You can call the clerk at (440) 204-2430. Explain to the clerk why you cannot appear. Remember, if you have an attorney to call them first and ask if you personally should call the clerk. If your attorney instructs you to call be sure to give the clerk your attorney's name.It is important to keep in mind that even if you call the court, there is still a chance that a warrant will be issued for your arrest if you fail to appear.
  • Unless instructed otherwise by your attorney, send a friend or relative to appear in court and explain to the judge why you cannot appear. Make sure to give the friend or relative accurate information as to when and where you are to appear. Again, a warrant can still be issued if you fail to appear.
  • If you are a Witness, and were subpoenaed or asked to appear by the prosecuting attorney, call the Prosecutor's office at (440) 204-2462 as soon as you know you cannot attend. Be sure to give the prosecuting attorney the case number when you call, if you have been given one.
  • If you are a Witness, and were subpoenaed or asked to appear by the defense attorney, call the defense attorney. Again, be sure to give the defense attorney the case number if you were given one.