How long can you be held in Jail because of unpaid tickets?

Question

They can't keep you in forever. I know they can keep you for a long time if you have warrents but if your clean except for tickets. What would be the ruff average? Would that clear your debt or will they just issue another warrent and arrest you again untill you pay?

Answer 1

They can make the jail time equate the amount of the ticket.
The money you pay for a ticket is considered bail. If you don't pay the bail, then like other infractions, you can be incarcerated for it.

Answer 2

Until you are brought before a judge.

In bigger cities, it is not an issue because court is held almost daily.

However, in small to mid sized communities, the judges may not be full time and court may only be anywhere from once every 2 months to once a week. Just depending on city size and case load.

We are in that position. When we arrest someone on our warrants, it can be an issue. Someone owes the city $200....well, it costs $32 a day to hold someone in jail. So we are quickly losing money. The judge can order you pay the costs of incarceration as part of fines in court. However, that is rarely done.

Our general policy is if someone is arrested on warrants, they will be held for up to 3 days during that time, if they have a bond, they can post it. Or if court is before then, they will just be taken to court.

If they can not post bond, the judge is called and he makes the decision. If it looks like the person has a decent record, he will cut them loose. Also, in very rare cases, the judge may come in and have a hearing.

So realistically, here you probably won't be in jail longer then 3 days for traffic warrants.

Answer 3

The truth is, indefinitely. Holders of unpaid tickets are issued what's called a "Bench Warrant", which is essentially a warrant for arrest for contempt of court charges. Typically, one is held until the tickets are paid. Depending on the ticket, it can also be until a new court date is ordered, and the defendant stands in front of the presiding judge. BUT... The contempt charge is entirely up to the judge. Contempt is the one and only charge for which there is NO appeal, and the sentence can range from hours to YEARS, depending on the judge. He must only review the release periodically, but can order the offender held for as long as he holds the bench, if he so desires. But the person will probably be in jail until the fines and costs of the tickets are paid.

Answer 4

I do not know the law in your state. In Texas, one receives $50 credit for everyday spent in jail; so if, for instance, ones tickets total $400; one would spend 8 days in jail.

Another option available in Texas, and perhaps in your state, is community service. One talks to the traffic court judge and explains if one cannot pay the tickets and so many hours of community service work at local nonprofit agencies is substituted for the payment.

One can also talk with the judge and try to arrange a payment plan. Do not wait until you are arrested. Go to court and see what you can arrange now.

I should mention that for driving while intoxicated all deals are off. Get in immediately, preferably with an attorney, and follow whatever legal options are available to you.

Answer 5

Depends on if you have felony or misdemenor citations. I would say no more than a year for misdemenor. But it varies from state to state.... look up your revised statutes.

Answer 6

Depends on how much money.

Answer 7

Until you pay them?

Answer 8

until you've done enough time, to pay
the fines........

Answer 9

how many? oh shiiit!!! you could get life!!!