Legal Question in Insurance Law in Illinois

I was pulled over a few months ago for having a head lamp out. The officer gave me a warning for that, but I was given a ticket for not having insurance. I did (and still do) have insurance, but I just didn't have my card on me. I missed my scheduled court date because I didn't have any funds to drive out to the town the court house is in as I am in college and often funds are short. I didn't reschedule immediately, and was sent a letter saying that due to my conviction of not having insurance (convicted because I didn't show up), my license and license plates are suspended from June 4th to September 4th, but to my understanding the suspension would be revoked if I paid a $300-$400 fine. My question is this: Is there any way I can get out of the suspension without paying the fees at this point, seeings as how I have had insurance the entire time? Additionally, I am currently 6 hours away from where the incident occurred, and while I can get down there if need be, is there any way I can get out of the fines and suspension without going to the court house I was originally scheduled to go to?
And just in case this information matters, I was pulled over in Carbondale, IL (62901), and the court house I failed to go to is in Murphyboro, IL.
thank you

Asked on 6/21/10, 8:53 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Betty Tsamis Tsamis Law Firm PC

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The law requires you to have proof of insurance at all times when operating a motor vehicle. That's what you got ticketed for and thus the ticket is legitimate. I would call the clerk of the court and tell that person your situation asking for the case to be reconsidered by the state's attorney.

Answered on 6/24/10, 7:49 am

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