[Carrie]

CJ if you've been called to court, there's always some type of "or else" that will happen if you don't show up. Get a warrant put out for your arrest, get fined, get called in contempt of court, get a summary judgement against you and a police record - all kinds of stuff.
So in my mind, I'd *have* to show up and present my side of the story, even if I were defending myself. The only way I wouldn't show up is if I hired a lawyer and the State said I didn't have to attend if my lawyer did (which was the case with a speeding ticket I rec'd once in Florida).

Someone making up bs stuff about you on the boards is one thing, but once the law gets involved you have to sit up and take notices or there are consequences.