Late on payment for speeding ticket fine. CA?

by **mads** » Wed May 16, 2012 10:03 am

I live in CA. I have missed my payment date for the second month now. It was only an infraction. Can I receive a warrant for that? I appeared in court and all that jazz.

It is not that I refuse to pay the fine. I just can not right now. I am seeking employment and I have no money. I can not due any work to pay off the fine because I am injured.

Another problem is, I am on a payment plan and already extended the fine once, so I can not again. I can not go in and tell them, "sorry, no money." My plan was just to let it go until I can pay it in full, but they will probably charge me with a bunch of late fees or worse, A WARRANT!

So, even if I do find an employer who will higher me, they will see that I either have a warrant, or I have a fine to pay. They will think me untrustworthy and my hole is further dug.

CA's system BLOWS.

by **laureano97** » Wed May 16, 2012 10:12 am

So long as you appear in court as required if you have not paid the fine, a warrant will not be issued for your arrest. The law prohibits imprisoning you for failing to pay a fine if you are financially unable to do so (in other words: yes, you can go in and tell them "sorry, no money"). The court can impose an alternative means of satisfying the fine (such as community service). You also cannot be imprisoned for an infraction unless you are prosecuted for the separate offense of willfully failing to pay a fine. So if you cannot pay, go to court with proof of your financial condition. The absolute worst thing you can do is fail to appear in court. That is a misdemeanor offense which COULD result in imprisonment.

BTW, you are going to find this to be true everywhere in the United States.

by **adin55** » Wed May 16, 2012 10:26 am

I do tend to agree with you on the amount of the fines, which are inflated by assessments placed upon fines by the Legislature. The reason, of course, is that the GOP blocks any attempt to raise taxes to fund government services, but fees can be passed by a majority.

by **jerrick** » Wed May 16, 2012 10:40 am

as you are finding there is no mercy for motorists only for criminals, the court will require proof that you can't pay and if you have ANY money they will make you pay regardless of what you think your priorities are (like food , rent , medical etc)

by **tai38** » Wed May 16, 2012 10:46 am

they might issue a warrant but thats doubtful they will hit you harder they could suspend your Drivers LIcense unbtil it is paid

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