Is it serious?

[Sadym80]

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

I was issued a parking ticket for failure to pay the meter at a private lot in Baton Rouge. The issuer scrawled a note on the ticket that s/he "Told to pay. Kept walking," but neither my companion nor I heard or noticed anyone at any time when we were at the lot. Also, neither of us realized it was a private lot (probably irrelevant). The fine is $50 "if paid within TEN days," which is tomorrow. An attorney-friend told me the worst that could happen might be demerits to my credit score. How much could it lower my score? Do private lots have any other powers? Should I just pay the fine?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[HighwayMan]

The owner of the lot can pursue you civilly and end up sending this to a collection agency. That would be dealt with on your credit report like any other unpaid debt. I don't think the amount matters much.

Forget about your credit score, just the fact that it would show up on your credit report will hurt you, even if you later decide to pay it.

[Sadym80]

So in all likelihood, it may end up costing me a lot more in the long run if I don't pay now. I appreciate the timely advice This is a very useful site, thank you.

[HighwayMan]

Yes, something simple like this can end up creating alot of headaches for you later on down the road.

Of course, if the issuing authority has an adjudication process available you can plead not guilty and fight it, but ignoring it will just cause you alot of unnecessary grief.