I have a friend who had gotten a ticket for reckless driving awhile back and went to the court to fight it so instead of giving him points, they changed the ticket to disorderly conduct (sp?) anyways he was pretty tight with money due to school, rent and other stuff, he couldnt pay right away and had to wait till the last day that the court gave him to come up with the money. Anyways.. he DID go at the last day but like an hour too late to pay so the court was closed, therefore couldnt pay the fine. SooOOoO.... he was pretty scared because on the note that the court gave him said if he doesnt pay the amount, there will be a warran issued for his arrest. So after reading that, he didnt wanna go back to the court even the next day no matter how many times I told him to just go and pay, he was too scared that they might arrest him right there.
Soo how deep of trouble is he in? BTW this happened in NYC, and the fine was $310 can he go to the jail from this? or should he still go back to the court and pay them. Whats the worst that can happen to him? Hes so afraid that an officer is gonna come find him and arrest him that hes so nervous everyday and he would very much appreciate any information and advise given. Thanx.
Got a question for someone in Law Enforcement or knows alot bout it...
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...
-
C-Kwik
- Moderator
- Posts: 8070
- Joined: Thu Aug 01, 2002 9:28 pm
- Car: 2013 Chevy Volt, 1991 Honda CRX DX
The best thing for him to do from my experience is for him to go in to the court ASAP. It's a whole lot better than if he is brought in by someone else. The judge will be more willing to listen and perhaps, believe his side of the story. Typically, this kind of infraction is only subject to a bench warrant. So they won't be looking for him actively, but if he gats pulled over and they run his driver's license, they will likely pick him up at that time.
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...
-
TrunkMonkey
- Posts: 3190
- Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2002 7:48 am
- Car: 2000 Lincoln Navigator
if NY's system is like SC's, no. i was in a simular situation. he can clear everything up without ever having to see a judge. on top of the $310 he originally owed, there are probably other fines. he may not know it, but his liscense is probably suspended by now too.Kaioshin1982 wrote:but does he still have to appear in front of a judge for that?
he just needs to call the courthouse, explain what's going on, and make sure he does everything they tell him.
-demetrius
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...
Yeah, kick him in the nuts once for me too. He really sounds like he needs to work on being a responsible adult (or young adult).AZhitman wrote:Good advice from all.
Waiting 'til the last minute is dumb. After it's all done, kick your friend in the nuts for being stupid.
Anyway, like everyone else said, the best he can do is go try to pay the fine and hope for a show of mercy from the court.
In the future, when dealing with fines like this he *needs* to pay them on time. If this means selling personal property, borrowing from friends and family, etc. then that's the way it is. Not to sound harsh, but that should be incentive to avoid things like tickets for reckless driving.
BTW, not sure what state he lives in, but with a driving record like his I'd imagine he won't be able to afford insurance. Better get used to the bus.
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...
well hopefully hehe-
C-Kwik
- Moderator
- Posts: 8070
- Joined: Thu Aug 01, 2002 9:28 pm
- Car: 2013 Chevy Volt, 1991 Honda CRX DX
Kaioshin1982 wrote:hehe yeah it IS dumb but from what I understand... he REALLY couldnt come up with the money, he was paying for phone, rent, insurance, school so I cant really blame him for not paying off as soon as possible since he really dont have much money left over.
But the fact that he doesn't show the repect for the court to show up even if he can't pay it, is looked down upon by judges. Consider, the more avoiding a person is, the less credibilty any statement they make saying they will pay their fine will have. Most judges around here will offer a solution to help a person in financial hardship out. Either payment plans, and in some cases, community service. But avoiding it will not make it go away. Other than rent, realistically, your friend is spending his money in luxuries. Fines are a punishment. So, if he has to give up some of his luxuries to pay a fine, then that is what he has to do. Hopefully, more than anything, he comes away learning that if he is going to do something stupid, he better be ready to suffer the consequences.
-
Bubba1
- Moderator
- Posts: 16082
- Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 1:42 pm
- Car: 2003 Nissan 350z
2024 Honda HR-V
2008 Toyota Corolla S
2001 Toyota Avalon XLS
I agree. I imagine if your friend goes Monday morining to pay that fine, he'll probably get some hit with some late fees. So he better brace himself that his error might have cost him extra pesos. He might catch a break if he goes right when they reopen. But your friend needs to get his act together. If he can't afford $300 for a ticket, what the heck is he going to do when his car needs tires or some repair? He may want to reconsider owning a car at all until he can afford to keep it. And car ownership in NY ain't cheap.
-
Kaioshin1982
- Posts: 1738
- Joined: Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
- Car: Not a 240 =) Thinking of getting one again...