What is the penalty for failing to appear?

• A. Not more than $1000 or imprisoned not more than one year.
• B. If convicted shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined not more than $5000 or imprisoned not more than two years or both.
• C. A civil penalty only.
• D. A traffic violation.

Answer: (B)

Failing to appear in court is treated as a criminal offense because it directly obstructs justice and undermines the court system. Under Oklahoma law, if someone is convicted of failing to appear, the offense is a felony with a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and up to two years in prison, or both. The actual sentence depends on factors like prior convictions and the underlying charge, but the statutory maximum reflects the seriousness of willfully avoiding a court appearance. This isn’t a civil penalty or a simple traffic issue; those would not carry a felony level punishment, which is why the correct interpretation is felony with the stated maximums.