What will happen if I can't afford ticket

[LaStar00]

Ohio. I got a traffic ticket and explained to the officer i'm on walefare and have no income and no way to pay. what would happen in court? I just graduated college and can not find a job to save my life. I'm a single parent who gets welfare with no income including court ordered child support. Can I explain this to the judge, and what would he do?

 

[seniorjudge]

Ask the judge for a payment plan.


And then stick to it.

 

[You Are Guilty]

If you have no income and receive welfare, how do you have a car?

 

[HomeGuru]

Ohio. I got a traffic ticket and explained to the officer i'm on walefare and have no income and no way to pay. what would happen in court? I just graduated college and can not find a job to save my life. I'm a single parent who gets welfare with no income including court ordered child support. Can I explain this to the judge, and what would he do?

**A: are you a citizen of Wales?

 

[LaStar00]

Drive my mom's care and she can't afford anything either. How can I ask for payment plan with no job? Makes no sense now does it? No one hiring all say i'm too over qualified having a degree

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: How can I ask for payment plan with no job?

A: You will have to pay out of the money we are giving you.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Eventually, if the ticket is upheld and you do not pay it, you will rack up thousands of dollars in fines and late fees, and run the risk of having the car towed and potentially even being arrested (depending on how the courts by you handle failures to pay).

In other words, you pay now, or you pay later, but at some point, you will pay.

 

[LaStar00]

CAR IS NOT MINe. In mother's name. When he gave me the ticket I didn't sign my name just put an x. So do I really have to pay even though I didn't sign my name and just put an X or scrimble where it said sign?

 

[CourtClerk]

CAR IS NOT MINe. In mother's name. When he gave me the ticket I didn't sign my name just put an x. So do I really have to pay even though I didn't sign my name and just put an X or scrimble where it said sign?

Just great. Living off of my hard earned money AND dishonest. If you can't afford to drive, then don't do it... in anyone's car. Just like if you can't afford to have babies, don't have them either.

 

[seniorjudge]

CAR IS NOT MINe. In mother's name. When he gave me the ticket I didn't sign my name just put an x. So do I really have to pay even though I didn't sign my name and just put an X or scrimble where it said sign?

Wot's a scrimble, luv?

 

[quincy]

LaStar, I know in Michigan that traffic ticket amounts can be "worked off" by doing community service. I did not check to see if Ohio has a similar program for low-income individuals, but it might be worth your while to check on this. I have got to tell you, though, that the number of community service hours required is a LOT. But there could be this option for you.

Edit to add:
I just checked and Ohio does, indeed, have a similar program for those who cannot afford to pay fines. You will be given a number of community hours to serve and a time within which these hours must be served, but you will not have to come up with the money for the ticket.

An advantage you might find in this, in your particular situation, is that oftentimes, by doing community service, you can meet people who can help direct you to possible paying positions available in the community.

 

[CourtClerk]

Wot's a scrimble, luv?

That's how my son likes his eggs.

 

[seniorjudge]

That's how my son likes his eggs.

Cor, eh and franks.

 

[LaStar00]

One I do not collect or reicieve any money. I just get medical and foot stamps. I dunno if they do communituy service. If they do i might do they if they are around the hours my son is in school 9-4. Other than that I HAVE NO ONE to watch him. Life is tough right now nad no one hiring. Tried job fairs and many places including tempary agencies adn they all say i'm too educated. But i'll probably go to court and hope the cop doesn't show. Thanks all one love

 

[quincy]

I wouldn't count on getting out of the ticket based on the officer not showing up. I would explain your situation, however, and ask about the community service hours in lieu of the traffic fine. You should be able to work the hours while your son is in school.

Michigan is suffering economically, too, Lastar, and there are many people in your situation. And it is certainly harder when you have a son to care for at the same time.

But, like I said, the community service hours you work (and Ohio does offer these hours to those who are indigent) could lead to a job - and it certainly helps to be out working (even when it is not paid work) because you have the opportunity to meet people who can help you in your job search.

Good luck.