Final answer:
If Tonya does not show up in criminal court as scheduled, she could have a warrant issued for her arrest, be fined, or serve jail time for contempt of court and her legal defense could be negatively affected.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your friend Tonya is scheduled to be in criminal court next week and decides not to show up, she could face serious consequences. The court may issue a warrant for her arrest for failing to appear, which is commonly known as a bench warrant. Additionally, her absence can be considered contempt of court, leading to fines, jail time, or both. Depending on the nature of her case, not appearing in court may also result in a default judgment against her or the case proceeding in her absence, which could unfavorably impact her defense and legal options. It's important for Tonya to attend her scheduled court appearance or contact an attorney to discuss any concerns.