Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

i got a registration violation ticket and forgot to pay it due to severe health problems that i can prove with documentation, i also never received a courtsey notice and then got a letter in the mail saying i had a failure-to-appear notice and a fine of $1585 and that my license was suspended, i am going tomorrow to speak to a judge but was wondering what i can do to get the fine reduced? i am bringing a letter from my doctor and my pay stubs and W-2 from my work, because i can not afford to pay such a high fine due to me being a 20 year old college student who is financially independent. What should say or do? I got these violations mostly not having proof of registration or insurance, my registration was expired at the time i got pulled over. Also my car broke down for good and i had to sell it shortly after the ticket which was one of the reasons i forgot about the ticket. What can I do? The violations are: 14600 AVC, 4000A VC, 4454A VC, 405095 VC, 16028 AVC, thank you for any help you can give.


Asked on 2/23/11, 7:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Goff James R. Goff, Attorney at Law

A failure to appear is a serious offense that can result in a jail sentence. You should either retain an attorney or seek the assistance of a public defender. How could you sell your car without valid registration? You need to present proof that you no longer own the vehicle. Did you notify the DMV of the change in ownership? If not you are still responsible and liable for any accidents that the new driver may be involved in. Your counsel should be able to negotiate a disposition that does not involve jail time and a fine that can be paid over time.

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Answered on 2/26/11, 3:56 pm


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