rourkcm said:
What is the name of your state? Indiana
Can a judge issue a bench warrant for not appearing in a civil matter. My old landlord is sueing me for supposed damages and I did not show up at the court date because I am unemployed and have no real assets or money to pay them.
Usually the first thing that happens when a party doesn't "show up" is that a default judgment is issued in favor of the plaintiff.
If you, as the defendant, still don't pay, then it goes to a pro supp proceeding (proceeding supplemental). My guess is that you're at that stage because that's the stage you're most likely going to get a bench warrant to make sure you appear. And, yes, judges can do that in Indiana. I've seen it. He's undoubtedly given you a court order to appear and you've thumbed your nose at that.
If you are to the pro sup stage these aren't "supposed damages." They are damages that have been determined by the court to be true and you have been ordered to pay. (Which can happen through a default judgment if you don't show up.)
As a side note, you need to accept a little more responsibility. You can't just not show up to court proceedings and evade responsibility.
