Which statement is true about a defendant who fails to appear in court?

• A. The case is dismissed
• B. Bail is increased
• C. A sworn complaint must be filed when the defendant fails to appear in court
• D. The defendant automatically loses the right to a trial

Answer: (C)

When someone doesn’t show up, the court uses enforcement steps to compel the defendant to appear, but the case itself remains tied to the formal charging document that started the action. The essential point is that a sworn complaint serves as the official charging document for misdemeanors and is what authorizes the court to proceed, issue warrants, and keep the case alive even after an absence. If the defendant fails to appear, there isn’t automatic dismissal, and bail decisions aren’t automatically increased, and the right to a trial isn’t forfeited just by the no-show. The sworn complaint provides the necessary basis to prosecute and to issue a capias or take other action to ensure the defendant answers the charge.