Legal Question in Traffic Law in New Jersey

state: New Jersey

county: Monmouth

court: Millstone Township Municipal Court

I got a parking ticket for parking in a handicapped space without a card. I was circling the parking lot of a Wawa, waiting for my passenger to come out the store. The officer pulled me over and asked for my Id and told me to step out the car. I gave him my Id. I then asked him why he pulled me over and he said it was a routine traffic stop. I refused to get out. He went to his car and about 15 minutes later he told me it's a mandatory appearance and gave me the ticket. I went to the arraignment. I decided to plead not guilty and fight it. Reason being is because I wasnt parked in a handicapped parking space! A court date for trial was scheduled and I missed it. I attempted to get a continuance but the court administrator refused citing that I had previously got a continuance, I had ample time to get off and that the officer was going to be present and overtime wasn't possible for something like this. I work in the healthcare field as a traveling tech going to different states working at physician offices 4-6 weeks at a time. Anyway, I figured it wasn't worth to get a lawyer to attend for me because the lawyer was going to be more than the actual ticket. I assumed the trial would be conducted without my presence and judgement would be made by default. That has happen a few times to me in other township in PA, NJ and NC. A week later, I received a noticed that there is a warrant for my arrest for contempt of court. There is now a $500 bond. Why wasn't the trial conducted in my absence? Will this be on my permanent record? Can I get it removed from it? Furthermore, I am in North Carolina and cant report to the police station and post bail nor attend any court date. What to do to handle the situation? Any advice is welcomed.

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