Is it legal anywhere in the USA for a patrolman to impose AND collect a fine?

Question

I have a friend who was stopped for speeding. Unfortunately, he had left his driver's license at home. The law officer took him to the county court house (it was already around 1 a.m.) and into a room where another officer was located. A computer search was made for my friends license, and it was verified that he did indeed have a valid driver's license. But he was then made to pay a fine of $240 right on the spot for "speeding and driving without a license on his person". He was then released to go on his way. It is my belief that my friend was defrauded by these "officers of the law". If you know of or have experienced a similar situation, I would like to know more about it (where, when, etc.). Maybe some information can be gathered to enable real lawmen to forstall these "shakedowns".
Thanks,
Aaron Cooper

Answer 1

No, your friend got ripped off. You have to go to court first. Did he see a judge? Who did he give the money to? Was it cash? He has to be found guilty in the court of law before he can be made to pay any fine. I hope he did'nt pay cash or he's screwed.

Answer 2

Nothing illegal occurred. Your friend was taken into custody until it was proved he did in fact have a license. He committed two violations; he was speeding and he was driving without his license. Both charges are misdemeanor offenses. He was not "fined" by the officers. They collected a "bond" from him, equal to the fines. This is fairly common here, especially if you do not live in the community. Several States have formed a group that enforces each other's traffic laws. In those states a bond need not be collected if you are from one of the group's states. If you fail to pay the fine, the home state suspends your driver's license. If you are from a state that is not part of the group, you will be required to post a bond.
Did your friend get taken? Well, does he have a copy of the citation? If so, call the court and see if the bond was applied to the ticket. You can also call the Chief of the department that stopped your friend and clarify the situation. Your friend will have to make the calls, they will not disclose information to a buddy.

Answer 3

If the driver is in a state other than that of the issued drivers license it is possible. Most states have agreements with each other about tickets and so forth, but some dont.

For example, I used to live in WV. VA does not have an agreement with WV, therefore had I been caught and charged with speeding they can and do hold you until ticket is paid. Now I live in NC, and they do have an agreement with VA. So now if I get a ticket in VA they will let me go on my way and I pay it as if it were any other ticket.

Answer 4

Yes, in Many States it is Legal for a Patrol Officer to impose and collect fines for violation for laws people break. Many are for driving violations.

Answer 5

Thats how it works in alot of small Southern towns. Depending on the time of night they won't wake up the judge, just pressure you to pay the fine or spend the night in jail.

Commonly known as Southern Justice.

Answer 6

In some places in LA they make you pay the speeding ticket fine on the spot, yes.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

I know if the driver is from out of the state, an officer can do this, but if the individual is in their home state, I don't know.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Only if the officer has the title "Justice of The Peace" also.