I got a ticket over a month ago, but am unable to pay for it because it has not gone through the bureaucratic process yet. Is my only choice to show up on the date on the ticket at the county office?
If yes, can I contest the ticket at the same time if I feel there is a possibility the judge might dismiss it?
Thank you for your help. All the best.
2006-10-21 15:52:44 · 3 answers · asked by Colin 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
You can go to the court or call the court your ticket is from any time before the court date and ask for an extension. They will extend the time by about a month. At that time if you still have not the money you can go to the court and ask for an extension in person . You can also ask for traffic school at that time. But do not blow it off. If you fail to appear a warrant will be issued for your arrest and your license will be automatically suspended.
They will not put you in jail because you don't have the money. They don't have the money to do that either. But if you fail to appear they will arrest you if you are stopped by a police officer while driving. Because you will have a warrant and a suspended license. Driving with a suspended license is a twenty day jail offense.
You can take care of this easily before the court date. You can get an extension. In most cases you can fight the ticket but you will most likely loose because you don't know the vehicle code. Let's say The officer pulls you over for speeding but you are going 5 miles over the limit and you think you can beat that. He will write you up for unsafe speed. That could be 15 miles an hour if He feels it is unsafe. Sometimes the conditions for the road are unsafe at the speed limit. You will not be able to get off. But if the officer does not show at court your case will be dismissed. You can also ask for traffic school. You will have to pay the ticket plus traffic school but it will not be on your record and your insurance will not go up.
2006-10-21 16:07:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, show up at the court date. If you genuinely feel it is unjust, then make your case. IF you win, you walk, and if you lose, you must pay the fine. They will make arrangements with you if payment in full is not possible. Sometimes they can reduce it if you plead and prove financial hardship or work a few community service hours.
2006-10-22 06:33:43 · answer #2 · answered by Cub6265 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes show up & contest it. The worst thing that could happen is that he gives you a fine. And you can ask for a payment arrangement at that time.
Good Luck!
2006-10-21 22:56:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋