I had a very awful marriage, of 3 years, but was oblivious to it until it was over. I was physically, sexually, and emtionally abused. Some while I was carrying my son. Okay. My ex filed for divorce on the date of our 3rd anniversary. This was in Maine. I moved to IL w/a friend of mine, and after a month or so I received a call saying my father was about to die. I immediately picked up and left IL,and moved to Arkansas to be with my father for his last 2 days and so he could meet his only grandchild. I called my ex the day after I got there so he would know that I moved. He still filed a contempt case against me, EVEN THOUGH he was not paying child support. For several months I did telephonic court participation last year ( this all started in 05 ). My ex had-- has a lawyer and I did and do NOT. Long story short - I am sposed to appear in court for this and I cannot make the trip to maine bc I have not the $ to get there ( i also work FT) Will the cops hunt me down??
2007-03-13 05:39:16 · 13 answers · asked by December 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Yes, if you fail to appear, an order for your arrest will be issued. I would contact a lawyer to make sure, but I think you HAVE to appear.
2007-03-13 05:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by olderbutwiser 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Instead of ignoring it as the court will see it, try to get legal aide to help you. You also can see if the court will issue you a public defender. I can tell you that you if you work full time the court isn't going to take that as an excuse for you not being able to show up. If you've just started your job you may be able to postpone it so that you're not interfering with your probationary period at your job. However they may also question if the abuse was going on as you claim why did you not seek help for it. However you found money to up and move and then you moved yet again. The cops will not hunt you down but there will be a bench warrant issued for you. If that happens then it will look better for you to turn yourself in to your local police who will send you back to Maine however you may end up serving time in jail for your nonappearance. You have a child to consider so you need to try and find the money. See if you can get a loan from a friend or family member because think of it this way, the next of kin to your child when you go to jail is his father.
2007-03-13 05:55:12 · answer #2 · answered by Pisces Princess 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok , in a situation like this, you can file for legal aide if you are being threatened with a lawsuit, and to contact the courts and let them know your situation and see what you can do. Normally if there's no contact or resolution; there would be warrant out for one's arrest. Legal aide is a very cheap way to hire an attorney who can help since you are being threatened the way that you are; you can google it under "Legal Aide". But meanwhile; see if you can get ahold of the courts and let them know what's going on. They may ok a three way call with you etc...good luck!
2007-03-13 05:46:52 · answer #3 · answered by suzlaa1971 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A FTA warrant will be issued for your arrest. Yes, the police will come looking for you.
You need to contact the court before your scheduled appearance and explain the circumstances. It's possible a continuance can be issued. You will have to appear at some point.
If you are arrested on a FTA warrant, you will go to jail.
You need to contact your local Legal Aid office. This office provides legal expertise and representment either deeply discounted or for free (you will need for them to be able to verify your income).
Ignoring this will not make it go away. You need to take care of it ASAP. By the way, FTA is failure to appear.
2007-03-13 12:43:38 · answer #4 · answered by emt_me911 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have the child with you?
Do not go back!
You can answer any questions to the judge over the phone the day of the hearing.
Contempt doesn't mean anything unless a judge enforces it.
You are in fear of your life and for that of your child and that is why you left. Don't listen to his attorney, though he may know the law, he is not the law. Stay as far away as possible!
2007-03-13 05:49:52 · answer #5 · answered by jbniev 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may not "hunt" you down, but a failure to comply or appear warrant will be issued. You should call the clerk of the court and explain that you need an extension as you are unable to appear and see if you can get a new court date.
2007-03-13 05:43:02 · answer #6 · answered by Bella 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get a lawyer even if you need to borrow the money to represent you. If you ignore the court order a warrant can be issued for your arrest in the state the order takes place. It will also not go well for you in court fighting for child support. Judges are usually reasonable if you speak to them on your situation, but I strongly encourage you to get an attorney to fight for you and your child.
Good luck.
2007-03-13 05:50:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are required to show and don't then they can put a warrant out. Unlikely they will drive to Alabama to get you, but don't get stopped, and be sure to pay any parking tickets. Call the court and let them know your situation.....I am sure they see this very often and can work something out providing you give them enough notice.
2007-03-13 05:44:57 · answer #8 · answered by Tangled Web 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have to appear in court.. i think you are suppose to appear otherwise your breaking some other law.. and will probably have a warrant out for your arrest..
so you up to .. i'd find the cash to go.. or have the court day moved to a date you can appear
2007-03-13 05:44:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt the cops will hunt you down..They may issue a bench warrant for you and if you get pulled over and they run your information will see they have a bench warrant on you and arrest you then...or thats the way it would be in the state I live in..Good luck..
2007-03-13 05:45:19 · answer #10 · answered by halfpint22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋