Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Son left owing fines, if returns, what next?

My son moved to another state, owing fines in two states. Should he return, what would be the best way to rectify the situation, he has no money, I don't either. He is 19. Unsure of how to proceed, know there is warrants for him. Who to go to?? Thank you very much.


Asked on 6/02/01, 10:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: Son left owing fines, if returns, what next?

This kid needs to cowboy up.

He needs to write or telephone the courts and find out how much he owes in court fines. And start sending them money until the fines are paid. Normally they'll add some figure varying between $30.00 to $75.00 or so extra if you make monthly payments.

Normally this will take care of the problems.

When he talks to the traffic clerk they can tell him if he has to appear before the judge. However they'll still take his money and that really softens up the judge to know your son has been responsible enough to start payments.

So if he has to appear an attorney might be able to make that appearance for him, or after making payments for awhile he can visit and have the clerk send his file up to the duty judge.

No state has the money to extradite him on traffic tickets. However, on the warrants he can be held in jail until the other state refuses to extradite him. This is my opinion, and that is subject to change. Since I don't know exactly what the traffic tickets are for.

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Answered on 6/26/01, 4:40 pm


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