When a judge signs an OTSC and the defender fails to appear, what happens?

When a judge signs an Order to Show Cause (OTSC) and the defender fails to appear, the court typically proceeds with the action against the defender. This is based on the principle that the court has already provided an opportunity for the defender to respond and be present during the proceedings. If the defender does not appear, it does not legally require the court to halt the process or adjourn the case. Instead, the absence may lead the court to continue with the matter based on the evidence and arguments presented by the other party involved in the case. This approach ensures that legal proceedings can move forward efficiently, allowing the court to maintain its schedule and address cases in a timely manner.