Let me give you the rundown. A couple months ago I was pulled over 16 hours away from home for driving 15 miles over the speed limit in a construction zone. The minimum fine is about 400.00 and I was told that a court appearance is mandatory, since I was in a construction zone and the fine may increase per judgment of the court. I am due in court next week and there is no way in hell I can make it. Any idea what the repercussions of my absence might be? Any possibility of extradition? Will my fines be increased? Any info would be appreciated.
2007-10-10 12:10:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
P.S. I'm not unable to go because I simply don't want to miss work, but because I would probably be homeless when I returned, between the costs of travel (well over $200) and the lost time at work.
2007-10-10 20:21:23 · update #1
If you do not appear, the finding will be guilty. A warrant could be issued for failure to appear, and a recommendation of suspension is possible. If you received the citation out of state, there won't be any extradition. If both states are members of the DLC, then the information will be supplied to your DMV for action. If the citation is within the same state, then you will be arrested.
2007-10-10 12:41:37 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you miss a court date a bench warrant is normally issued. You will be charged with failure to appear (FTA) . This is a criminal offense and could lead to additional fines and potentially jail time. Your cost will definitely go up.
DO NOT MISS YOUR COURT DATE! It will be far cheaper to take a day or two off of work than open that box.
If you have a legitimate reason other than not wanting to take off from work, contact the court right away. They may be able to reschedule.
You could also contact a lawyer in the area and negotiate for him to represent you at the hearing. If you don't have him fight the case you might be able to do so affordable. I don't know anyone that has done that, but I have heard of it happening.
2007-10-10 19:19:06 · answer #2 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will be a warrant for your arrest in that state if you do not pay the ticket amount. Depending on that court's policies, they may extradite you on a misdemeanor but usually they do not. That does not mean it is not going to stay on your record as long as you do not take care of it. A lot of companies will not hire you if there is a warrant for your arrest from a different state.
2007-10-10 19:16:28 · answer #3 · answered by Settelbanat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not extraditable in most states. All, as far as *I* know.
The only way to be sure is visiting the state's webpage, and search the General Statutes, where all laws are published.
But if you cross the place and a cop stops you to check your license to discover there's a warrant for your arrest because you missed a court date, you'll be taken into custody immediately
2007-10-10 19:15:47 · answer #4 · answered by TURANDOT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will probably be an increase in the fine, a possible charge of failure to appear, and, maybe, contempt of court.
2007-10-10 19:16:47 · answer #5 · answered by badbill1941 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call or write a letter to the court and explain why you can't make the court date and what happend, sometimes the judge will make a ruling without you having to be there.
2007-10-10 19:24:53 · answer #6 · answered by crop13b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no your fines will not increased .you are going to jail
2007-10-10 19:18:36 · answer #7 · answered by r1114@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bench warrant
2007-10-10 19:18:11 · answer #8 · answered by Lavrenti Beria 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋