What are the consequences for not showing up in civil court?

[laureli]

My dumb brother rented an apartment and now hes trying to skip out on 2 months of rent and nobody can find him. he has a court date coming up and i really don't think he'll show for court. what are the consequences he faces and can he go to jail for not showing up in court just over an eviction notice?

 

[no name]

No he will probably just lose the case.

 

[Common Sense in Exile]

If you fail to show-up for civil courts, you lose the case by default, and can not appeal the judegment or award. You do not face jail or criminal charges.

 

[evilattorney]

An eviction is a civil case. There's no jail time for civil cases. The landlord will get a default judgment against him for eviction and for damages.