Nuggets' guard J.R. Smith now faces a contempt charge for failing to appear in municipal court due of Smith's involvement with a 2007 car crash that led to the death of a good friend, the Denver Post is reporting.

According to the Asbury Park Press, Smith is expected to appear in court Feb. 17 for the rescheduled pretrial conference ? and the contempt charge hearing ? and that date conveniently falls during a Nuggets' East Coast road trip.

Smith's lawyer Greg Mordas told judge Debra Gelson that he took responsibility for Smith's absence, and told Smith that because it was a pretrial conference, Smith didn't need to attend.

"I understand, but this is a fatal accident," Gelson said. "He is required to be at every pretrial hearing. . . . Mr. Smith is to appear (Feb. 17)."

"He will be here," Mordas said.