Unpaid Traffic Ticket

First of all, please note: There is a distinction between not paying a traffic ticket and an unpaid traffic ticket. The first case is exemplified by receiving a citation for a traffic violation by mail and you elect to have your case presented in court and do not remit payment. The second case is a deliberately ignored or unpaid traffic ticket which will most likely result with the court issuing a bench warrant for your arrest for a failure to appear (FTA).

Please be advised: There is no Statute of Limitations (SOL) on an FTA bench warrant, even for something as relatively minor as a moving violation. SOL applies to the time between when you are cited and the time you are charged in court. California has a very efficient traffic court, you can count on an FTA bench warrant being issued for an unpaid traffic ticket.

Always consult with a lawyer about your traffic tickets and how to handle them. An experienced traffic ticket lawyer in California knows the best approach and can prevent suspension of your driver’s license and other consequences of traffic tickets.

It is possible to quash and dismiss the warrant issued over an unpaid traffic ticket, however, this requires professional legal intervention, if for no other reason than it may keep you out of jail until the judge chooses to hear your case. Release on your own recognizance with a reduced bail is the least a good attorney – who specialized in traffic law and outstanding warrants – can do.

In the case of an unpaid traffic ticket as a prelude to an appearance in court, this is the best way for you to fight traffic ticket in California. Not paying the ticket by mail and requesting a court appearance tells the court you are fighting California traffic ticket citation.

You – or your lawyer – must appear in court to dismiss California ticket citation before the judge. An unpaid traffic ticket is an indication to the court that you intend to mount a defense. Whether you do it yourself or by proxy through your attorney is your choice. However, the best strategy to beat traffic ticket in California is to retain qualified legal counsel.

An unpaid traffic ticket can be in your best interest to force a court appearance. It can also be your worst nightmare resulting in your immediate arrest when a California Law Enforcement Officer runs a “wants and warrants” check on you. That is precisely what that phrase means and why it is so commonly used it is as familiar to you as your Miranda rights. Make sure you appear when you are summoned to court and the chances are that traffic ticket may remain forever unpaid – dismissed by the court.

An unpaid traffic ticket can lead to a FTA warrant issued in your name. A California traffic ticket attorney is the most qualified person to take care of the case if such a situation arises.