What is a potential consequence of failing to appear in court after being released on pretrial?

Failing to appear in court after being released on pretrial can lead to the issuance of a bench warrant. This is a critical consequence, as it signifies that the court has ordered law enforcement to locate and arrest the individual for their noncompliance. A bench warrant is typically issued to ensure that the defendant is brought back to court to face the charges or proceed with their case.

Understanding the implications of failing to appear highlights the importance of observing court dates and maintaining communication with legal counsel. In contrast, other options such as a conviction, cancellation of charges, or immediate release do not normally occur as direct outcomes of missing a court date. Convictions occur after the legal process concludes and are unrelated to attendance. The cancellation of charges is not a result of nonappearance but rather occurs through legal motions or rulings. Additionally, the immediate release of the defendant would not align with the consequences usually faced for failing to adhere to court obligations.