Opinion ID: 2599089
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Ostendorp's Failure To Appear Was Without Just Cause

Text: On appeal, Ostendorp argues that his failure to appear at Adam's trial was not without just cause because of a scheduling conflict with a civil trial in federal court. However, on April 19, 1999, Ostendorp agreed to the September 7, 1999 trial date. On July 31, 1999, when Magistrate Kurren advanced Ostendorp's civil case in federal court to August 31, 1999, Ostendorp failed to inform the magistrate of the potential conflict. The record contains no evidence indicating that Ostendorp attempted to reschedule his federal court date. Additionally, Ostendorp failed to inform the circuit court of any scheduling conflict during the September 2, 1999 telephone conference. Finally, Roberts indicated that Ostendorp's trial in federal court was not in session on the day he was scheduled to appear for Adam's trial. Based upon the record, we hold that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion in concluding that Ostendorp's failure to appear was without just cause.