Must I appear for a bench trial on a misdemeanor theft charge??

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Must I appear for a bench trial on a misdemeanor theft charge??

I no longer live in the same state and am 12 hours away. Do I need to appear for the bench trial?

Asked on June 15, 2019 under Criminal Law, Ohio

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

Assume that if you don't appear, you will lose: without you there, there will be no one to present your case or negotiate a plea for you. That will likely result in an arrest warrant being issued for you. To avoid that, take the time, go to the trial, and see if you can't negotiate a fine only as punishment (or if you have a good defense, try to have the case dismissed). It's worth the time--an arrest warrant, once issued, will haunt you forever.


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