Minor ticket, now a court date for my Dad? I feel sick.?

Question

I'm a 22 year old college student, and my Dad co-signed my car. I parked in a no-parking zone, received a ticket, and paid it by check. My wallet went missing so my bank and I put a hold on all transactions. I called the Municipal court and they said it looked like my check had already cleared. I'm balancing my checkbook last week and it appears it had NOT cleared. I called the court today and they said it had been returned and that I now had a court date-- rather, my DAD had a court date plus a returned check fine. I'm very much okay with paying the returned fee (I feel badly about that situation), but my Dad is in Europe on business. They said that I could try to appear for him at 1:30 any day this week although the judge might not approve it, but otherwise were not very kind with me. I'm distraught because I don't know what to do, and I don't want my Dad to suffer because I parked poorly, especially to have to appear in court because of something I did. Will they arrest? Please help

Answer 1

unless your dad is the registered owner of the car or is on a joint bank account with you, there's no reason why he should be there ... i would definitely go to court and ask for a CONTINUANCE ... bring proof that he is in Europe, and they should grant it with no problems ... this is not that big a deal ... i went through the same thing years ago when i paid a ticket and closed the bank account 2 months later and the state still hadn't cashed my check ... pay some fines and that was about it

Answer 2

Okay, calm down. You're blowing this thing way out of proportion. It's a parking ticket, that's it. There's nothing criminal about it. Muncipal court dates are a joke compared to federal or state ones, so there will be NO arrests being made (no one can be arrested for a municpal offense). Just go to court any day this week at 1:30pm with as much documentation as you can about your missing wallet and explain what happened to the judge. S/he will ask you to plea guilty or not guilty, so plea guilty; less headaches in this situation.

Make sure to know if the courts have or have not received the money (I find it a little odd that the court clerk said that the money has cleared but the bank said it hasn't, but finance isn't my thing). If it is confirmed that they haven't received it, pay them right away if you have the money. If not, again, explain to the judge what happened and offer to set a date on when the money will be sent. See? It's nothing. :)

Answer 3

This is question which will draw all kinds of advice but the reality is this not something terribly serious. A returned check is an automatic court date. Court is nothing to be worried about. It's a parking ticket, not attempted murder. Just show up, pay the fine, get a receipt, leave. One thing you should have done when you lost your wallet is put a stop payment order on that check. But I'm sure you know that now.

Answer 4

YOu should be fine.Take the documentation from the bank about the missing wallet, and maybe ask your dad to fax or e-mail a note to the judge explaining where he is and why and how he can be reached if need be.

Dear GOD I hope with the crime in the world they have better things to do than arrest you.

Answer 5

i worked for the court system for about a year, and i have to back you up that everyone is super unpleasant! i'd advise you to take your mother with you when you go to appear for him. the likelihood is high that the judge will accept it since it was your wrongdoing that got the ticket and you are over 18... you should be able to handle it yourself, but i think i'd take my mom just so that she can justify that he is indeed in europe. that way they don't think you are just trying to hide it from your parents, regardless of the fact that it's really none of your parents business as long as you are taking care of it! make sure that you keep your cool no matter how much attitude anyone gives you, but that does not mean bend over and take their crap either! just try to stay calm and sweet... you'll get much further that way! good luck! (this sounds like a position i'd get into somehow myself!)

Answer 6

They may just issue a bench warrant for them if you are not able to appear on his behalf. A bench warrant is nothing, as long as the ticket gets cleared up and paid, then the warrant usually gets lifted. At least that is what they do here in Michigan. Just contact the court and see what they have to say if you go ahead and pay the ticket.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, you would be best served by getting an attorney. This sounds like it has the capability of getting silly, and you want to stop that immediately. As you are 22, and you committed the traffic offense, I do not see why your father is involved at all. Did you deny committing the offense? Did you note who you spoke to when you were told the check had already cleared? Bureaucrats are not kind, unless you can make it clear that you WILL be able to hold them accountable - which is why you need an attorney - which will send that message to the indifferent bureaucrats, as attorneys take notes on everything! When you communicate on this, make sure to get names, make sure to take time/date notes on everything, and make no secret that you are doing so. This is going to cost you a good bit more than the traffic fine, but you will get what you pay for.

Answer 8

go to court and explain to the judge exactly what you have told us here and you need to have a phone number for your dad so that the judge will believe you when you say your dad is in europe. good luck .

Answer 9

just go to court and explain to the judge what happened take enough cash to cover the check and all fees and yu should be fine.

Answer 10

If you got the ticket, why does your Dad have to go to court? He's not liable on the ticket just because he co-signed for your car. This whole situation sounds messed up.