hi, I am stressed out. i have to go to court monday because I live in florida and worked in florida and never switch over my out of state license (pennsylvania). what can i do? does anyone have an idea of what kind of pennalty i can get. the cop that pulled me over said he could have taken me to jail that night. I already went to the dmv and changed my licencse.
2007-12-14 06:02:51 · 9 answers · asked by highlite2nice 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The DMV allows you a certain amount of time to change your license information. You have a 50/50 chance of beating the citation since you have since complied. Let's hope the Judge is in a good mood.
2007-12-14 07:08:14 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no lawyer, and I'm no expert on the Florida judicial system. This is just my opinion, based on my common sense.
It probably depends on the judge. You'll likely get a fine, maybe a few points on your license, and get sent on your way. They're not going to put you in jail for just this, as the jails are probably overcrowded already. The cop was just trying to scare you.
However, anything you CAN do to help remediate the situation will help. Getting your address changed, and getting a Florida driver's license is a big first step. Is the car registered in Florida now, too? Did you get FL plates? Does your insurance company know you're in Florida now? Getting all of this done will probably help. If possible, you need to be completely legal when you walk into that court room, or else have documentation showing that everything is in progress, and will be completed as soon as possible.
2007-12-14 14:11:38 · answer #2 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cops seem to get worked up over such trivial things such as this. Certainly this was/is against the law but lets be real here the whole DMV department is there for revenue and serves no other purpose. Yea we want people to know how to drive but we all know that there are millions "legal" drivers out there who cant drive so its pointless. but anyway this is nothing to get worked up over. the most you'll get is a fine and points if your state has a point system. If you want to hire a lawyer pay them to get you out of it and no worry or take your chance when going to court.
2007-12-14 15:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by Slick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since you have now changed the license over, you will just get a fine. In Florida, you have 30 days to switch your license over, unless you go to work. Then it is immediately. Cop was trying to scare you. I did the same thing when I moved there but don't remember what the fine was.
2007-12-14 14:36:31 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be very honest and sincere. Explain that you lead a busy life, although you recognize that as no excuse. Tell them that had you known it was a very big violation, you would surely have gotten it taken care of. (Point out that you took care of it immediately after you became aware of the importance.)
how long have you lived in florida? If it hasn't been too long, maybe you could claim that you were checking to see if things worked out for you.
2007-12-14 14:13:31 · answer #5 · answered by lisa_nicole 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should have thought of this before you got pulled over. No matter what state you live in their are laws about this. Ignorance is no excuse. Pay the fine and learn a lesson.
Also make sure your drivers licence, licence plate and insurance has been changed to florida.
2007-12-14 14:13:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wear a suit or other formal clothing.
Take your new license and related paperwork along with you.
Ask the court/police officer/prosecutor for mercy since you have now complied with the law.
If you are given punishment - follow the guidelines carefully.
2007-12-14 14:16:42 · answer #7 · answered by Bob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll just get a fine, breathe..... it'll be ok. It's not even a misdemeanor, just a traffic violation.
2007-12-14 14:27:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Look good and be polite
2007-12-14 14:10:26 · answer #9 · answered by Tacolover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋