Paid parking ticket causing my registration to be suspended?

[The_Non-Mom]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Wisconsin

Hey there, legal eagles! I am wondering if someone could confirm that I am the right path with my situation or help point me in the right direction.

Background - I received a parking ticket in August of 2008 (my only ticket ever!). I sent in the check to pay the ticket on September 1, 2008. However, I see from my bank statments that the check didn't clear my bank until October 23.

Current situation - Last week, my husband was pulled over while driving my car and received a ticket for operating with suspended registration. The officer stated the registration was suspended due to an unpaid parking ticket. I called the police department that issued the citation and confirmed that they do still show the ticket as unpaid.

So I think I can fight the ticket by proving that the parking ticket was paid. I plan on first contacting the police department that issued the parking ticket and getting proof that it was paid. Then I will take that proof with me to the court date.

Does that sound like all I need to do? Or should I take the proof that the ticket was paid down to the DMV and unsuspend my registration before the court date?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[The_Non-Mom]

Well, I just called the police department that issued the original parking ticket, and they said that there is a $12 balance for paying the ticket late. I said that I mailed the check on September 1. I know that I mailed the check on September 1, because keep a little record of my bills and when I pay them.

The police department says that they did not receive the check until October 21. So in between the time that I mailed the check and the city received it, I incurred a late fee of $12 and that is what is showing unpaid. I guess I have no way of proving when I actually mailed the check, so now what?

If I pay the $12 balance now and go to the DMV to renew my registration, will I still be able to fight the ticket in court?

[Curt581]

Go to the police department and pay the $12.

Take the receipt to the DMV and pay the renewal. You'll have to pay an additional $25 to reinstate from suspension.

Do this as soon as possible, or at least before the court date on your ticket.

Go to court on the date specified. Show the judge or Court official your documents that you've rectified the problem. The judge will almost certainly let you off with no fine, only paying a nominal court cost. He may dismiss it altogether, but no guarantee.

Note for the future: Always, always pay fines in person. Do not mail them. Get a receipt and keep it forever.

[The_Non-Mom]

Will do. Thanks so much for the advice!