Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Warrant for unpaid ticket - What do I do now?

I have a received a warrant in the mail for a ticket that was not paid. I�ve been unemployed for 7+ months with no money at all and that�s why I failed to pay the ticket that was originally $250. It�s now almost doubled to $450 and now I have a warrant. What happens at this point? I�ve never been in trouble with the law. I have no record and am really concerned. Does this mean that I--name removed--going to jail? I have saved more than half of the amount (which is actually the original amount). Can I just show up at the court and partially pay the fee and agree to pay the rest a little at a time, or will I immediately be arrested? I have no idea what to do and really need some advice. Thanks.


Asked on 1/08/04, 6:38 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: Warrant for unpaid ticket - What do I do now?

Thank you for your posting.

First, please take a deep breath. If you show responsibility, and appear in court voluntarily, it is very unlikely indeed that you would be arrested at all. Delay is a factor related to your responsibility, so my best advice is to show up as soon as you can, apologize, and offer to pay as much as you can, and get on a payment plan as to the rest.

I hope that this information helps, but if you want more information, have further questions, or feel that you need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. It's my pleasure to assist you in any way that I can.

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Answered on 1/08/04, 7:02 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Warrant for unpaid ticket - What do I do now?

Go to the court clerk and request a court date. This will generally not result in your arrest, but will not result in the warrant being recalled until after you actually appear before the judge. Then explain you situation to the court. Be prepared to show the amount of your income, living expenses etc. This will assist you in presenting your case to the judge.

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Answered on 1/09/04, 12:05 am


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