Failing to Pay Traffic Tickets
Traffic tickets are often issued at what seems to be the most inconvenient of times for the driver. He or she is usually in a rush to get somewhere, maybe running late for work or class, and violates one or more traffic laws by running a red light or stop sign, speeding, otherwise driving recklessly, or parking illegally. If you have been issued a traffic ticket, you may find yourself being pulled over for what seems like a small bend in the rules, making you even more late than you otherwise would have been.
Perhaps you think that the traffic ticket was unjustified, or maybe you know that you did something wrong but you are so upset about being pulled over and made late that you resolve to just not pay the ticket. What is one ticket? The police can’t track down every unpaid traffic ticket, right? While you may get away with it temporarily, odds are that dodging the ticket will catch up to you. And when it does, the penalties will be even greater.
What Happens When You Fail To Pay?
When you receive a traffic ticket in Florida you will be charged with either a civil infraction or a misdemeanor, which is indicated on your ticket. If you fail to pay the fine by the deadline or show up to your hearing date to contest the ticket, you will face a number of penalties. A note will be made on your driving record, your driver’s license will be suspended at least until the outstanding ticket is taken care of, and you will be charged additional fees for failing to address the ticket.
Perhaps money is tight and you can’t currently afford to pay the ticket, you forgot about the ticket, or you have received a number of traffic and parking tickets lately and can’t pay all of them. If for any reason you are not able to pay your ticket or missed the deadline for your hearing or payment, consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer. He or she can advise you on what would be the best action for you to take and can help you avoid further legal penalties and fines that you may not be aware of.
Contact Us
For more information on traffic tickets and outstanding fines, please contact an experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorney from Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
