Failure to appear for speeding tickets can lead to more than just the ticket expense. Consequences can include fines, bench warrants, or even a suspended license. Violating traffic laws in many states is a criminal offense that requires payment of separate fines or penalties. In addition, individuals may need to pay the original ticket fee along with other fees or fines.
If you require guidance in dealing with common traffic infractions, our team of skilled traffic ticket attorneys at Chicago Traffic Lawyers is available to assist you. Call today at 773-888-0365 to start your FREE CONSULTATION!
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What Happens for Failure to Appear for Speeding Tickets?
If you fail to appear in court for the original traffic violation, it can result in serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense and the court’s opinion of your behavior, it may even incur long-term consequences. What could have been a minor traffic citation may suddenly escalate into a more serious charge since failure to appear is viewed as an act of disrespect toward the court. You could face additional charges, driver’s license suspension or revocation, or even jail time for your violation.
How Failing to Appear Can Cost You Extra
Failure to appear is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. When someone signs a traffic ticket, they are making a promise to either show up in court on their appointed date and time or pay the fee before then. Failing to do either of these tasks will result in breaking the promise, and potentially facing further penalties. This includes even showing up late – if the court is still in session upon arrival, the judge has the final say as to whether or not they will hear the case. In this situation, one may have to wait until all other cases have been heard before getting their chance to approach the bench.
Drivers need to understand what can ensue by failure to appear for their tickets: fines can increase, arrest warrants could be issued, insurance payments could increase drastically and driver’s licenses can be temporarily suspended or revoked. Ignoring it leaves drivers open for more punishment than just financial consequences; drivers’ reputations are also at risk when they don’t uphold their end of an agreement with law enforcement agencies.
Dismissing a traffic ticket without addressing it or facing its penalties may seem tempting sometimes but can quickly become an issue down the line when potential employers conduct background checks on prospective hires.
Court Fees and Penalties
Missing your court date can have serious consequences you may face a range of penalties, such as being held in contempt of court for failing to obey a court order or having a bench warrant issued for your arrest. A bench warrant gives law enforcement permission to apprehend you if they stop you for any reason and find out about it. If this happens, they can take you into custody. Contempt of court is also typically a misdemeanor offense with potential jail time.
Driver’s License Suspension or Revocation
Failure of attendance at a traffic hearing may lead to a person’s driver’s license and vehicle registration being suspended until a later hearing is attended. To regain driving privileges after a license suspension, one must take the necessary steps.
Firstly, plead guilty or pay for the ticket online through the court listed on the notice of hearing. Secondly, an experienced traffic ticket attorney may be contacted for a new hearing, depending on the missed hearing’s recency. Finally, driving privileges will be restored once the suspension period ends or the requirements in the notice are fulfilled.
Insurance Rate Increase
Showing up on time for your court date is crucial to avoid costly consequences. Consider all options before making decisions that could impact your legal standing and financial health. Driver’s license suspension for any reason can result in increased insurance rates even a one-day suspension can lead to 36 months of increased insurance rates.
Increased Risk of Arrest
Failure to appear in court is a serious offense, and the resulting consequences can involve monetary fines as well as arrest. Failure to make a court appearance may result in the accrual of a traffic violation or may be treated as a default conviction. When this happens, not only will you have to pay the fines and surcharge for the ticket, but you could also face a driver responsibility assessment fee (if applicable), a bench warrant for your arrest, numerous traffic ticket violation points against your driver record, and possibly even driver license suspension.
Ways to Avoid Failing to Appear for Your Speeding Ticket
Failing to attend your court hearing for a traffic violation may result in the judge assuming your guilt in your absence. You’ll have fines and surcharges, even if they’re lower than if you attended court. It is possible to have up to three Driver Responsibility Assessment fees. Your driver’s license might be canceled or suspended, and you might get points added.
Attend all court appearances and hire an experienced traffic lawyer if you want a fighting chance. It’s better than risking future financial stress and penalties from being convicted by default.
Plan and Make It a Priority
When you get a motor vehicle ticket, note your assigned court date. Appearing in court for a speeding ticket is a priority. Contact the court directly to discuss your case and get information on fines, costs, and fees owed. If you don’t show up in court, you may face more fines and penalties, including license suspension. If you can’t make the court date, contact the court right away to reschedule.
Be Prepared With All Necessary Documentation and Money
To be prepared for your court date regarding a criminal charge, bring all related documentation. This includes the citation or summons. You should also have enough money to pay any associated fines or fees. If you cannot pay in full, talk to the court about your options. These may include setting up a payment plan or consulting with an attorney.
What to Do If You Fail To Appear For A Speeding Ticket?
Failing to appear for a speeding ticket can be a costly mistake. Depending on the state or jurisdiction, the penalties associated with failure to appear in court can range from hefty fines to possible jail time.
Contact the Court Immediately
If you have received a speeding ticket and failed to appear for your court date, you must contact the court immediately. Depending on the jurisdiction, failure to appear in court may result in additional fines or even a warrant for your arrest. In some cases, the judge or court may allow you to reschedule your appearance and pay any fines associated with the ticket.
Request a New Hearing Date
If you have received a ticket for speeding and have failed to appear in court on your designated hearing date, you may be able to request a new hearing date. This can help you avoid any additional costs or penalties that may be associated with failing to appear in court for the original hearing date.
When requesting a new hearing date, it is important to explain why you were unable to appear on the original court date. This can help the court decide if you are eligible for a new hearing date.
Pay the Fine Online or by Mail
If you received a speeding ticket, it is important to remember that failure to appear in court or pay the fine can result in additional costs. If you are unable to appear in court on the assigned date, you may still be able to take action and avoid any added penalties. Paying the fine online or by mail is one of the best ways to avoid problems with a failure to appear.
Hire an Experienced Chicago Traffic Lawyer from Chicago Traffic Lawyers
If you have received a speeding ticket in Chicago, and fail to appear for your court date, the consequences can be costly. You may find yourself facing additional fines and penalties, such as license suspension or jail time. In some cases, the judge may even issue an arrest warrant for your failure to appear.
Chicago Traffic Lawyers has experienced traffic attorneys who can help minimize the consequences of traffic tickets. They have a proven track record of assisting thousands of clients through negotiation to potentially decrease or eliminate fines.
