What happens if a defendant fails to appear in response to a summons?

When a defendant fails to appear in response to a summons, a warrant is typically issued for their arrest. This is a standard procedure within the judicial system, designed to ensure that individuals respond to legal obligations and are held accountable for their actions. The issuance of a warrant serves to compel the individual to appear in court, reinforcing the authority of the judicial process.

Other consequences, such as imposing fines or dismissing the case, do not align with the typical legal procedures following a failure to appear. A fine alone may not ensure compliance, and dismissing the case would not serve the interests of justice, especially if the defendant is avoiding legal proceedings. Similarly, filing additional charges would depend on specific circumstances, but the immediate legal step following a failure to appear is the issuance of a warrant to bring the defendant to court.