Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Summons—Even If You Think It’s a Mistake
Getting a Court Summons in Washington? Here’s Why You Should Take It Seriously
If you’ve received a summons in the mail—or had one delivered to your home—you might be tempted to ignore it, especially if you think it was issued by mistake. Maybe you believe you were wrongly identified, or you’re sure the issue isn’t serious enough to warrant a court date. But ignoring a summons is one of the worst things you can do. In Washington, failing to respond can lead to serious legal consequences—including default judgments, fines, arrest warrants, and long-term damage to your record.
What Is a Summons?
A summons is a formal notice from a court requiring you to appear or respond to a legal action. It may come in a criminal case (where you are being charged or required to appear), a civil lawsuit (where someone is suing you), or even in administrative matters like child support, eviction, or small claims.
The document will typically tell you what kind of case it is, what court it’s in, who the other party is, and what your deadline is to respond. A summons is legally binding—even if you think the case has no merit or is based on incorrect information.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
In civil cases, ignoring a summons typically results in a default judgment. That means the court assumes you don’t dispute the claims made against you, and the other party wins automatically. You could be ordered to pay damages, lose property, or face wage garnishment—without ever having a chance to defend yourself.
In criminal matters, ignoring a summons can result in a bench warrant for your arrest. Even if the underlying charge is minor, such as a traffic offense, missing a court date shows noncompliance with a legal order. Police may arrest you during a routine stop, and failing to appear may be treated as an additional offense.
If the summons relates to family law or child support, ignoring it can have long-term consequences like suspension of your driver’s license, wage withholding, or contempt proceedings.
What If the Summons Was Sent by Mistake?
Mistakes happen—but ignoring a summons is not how to fix them. If you believe you were wrongly served, you still need to formally respond. This may involve filing a written answer, calling the court, or showing up on the scheduled date to clear things up. Ignoring the notice won’t make the case go away, and the longer you wait, the fewer options you may have.
An attorney can help you determine whether the summons was valid and what response is appropriate. In some cases, it may be possible to get the matter dismissed—but only if you respond the right way.
How to Respond to a Summons in Washington
Your next steps depend on the type of summons you received:
- For civil cases, you may need to file a written response (called an “answer”) with the court by a set deadline—often 20 days.
- For criminal or infraction cases, your summons may require you to appear in person on a certain date.
- For family law cases, your response may involve submitting paperwork and preparing for a hearing.
In all cases, it’s a good idea to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Responding correctly can preserve your rights, protect your record, and give you the chance to explain your side of the story.
When to Contact a Lawyer
Don’t try to guess your way through the court process. Whether the summons is based on an honest mistake or a serious accusation, legal guidance can make the difference between a fair outcome and a default judgment or arrest. A qualified attorney can help you:
- Evaluate whether the summons is valid
- Respond within legal deadlines
- File motions to challenge improper service
- Appear in court and argue on your behalf
Time is critical—waiting too long can forfeit your chance to act.
Call the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer
If you’ve been served with a summons and aren’t sure what to do, we can help. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has represented clients in both civil and criminal matters across Washington and knows how to navigate the court system effectively. Whether you need to challenge the summons, appear in court, or resolve the matter quickly, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call us today at (360) 334-6277 to talk to an experienced attorney today!