Some judges have zero tolerance for defendants who show up late, and they will order the bailiff to take the late defendant into custody. This is obviously not good. Depending on the reason that you are late, however, and whether or not this is the first time you are late, your attorney may be able to persuade the judge to forgive you and release you from custody.
Most of the bonding paperwork directs that court appearances begin at 8:00 am. However, virtually all the judges in Harris County, start calling the names of the defendants at either 8:30 or 9:00 am. Your lawyer will be able to tell you what the requirements of your court will be.
The best practice is DON’T BE LATE. Be sure to err on the side of arriving early. This is especially important at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and other downtown Houston criminal court locations as traffic, parking, security lines, and elevator lines can be very slow. Everyone is showing up at around the same time, and it creates delay.
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