No one in court today, now what?

[Geronimo1]

I have a moving violation that was set for arraignment in CALIFORNIA. When I got to court I found about 15 to 20 others waiting out front of a dark and locked court house in LA County. You can say we were surprised and no one knew what to do about the situation.

I set up this date at the website used by the LA Courts. I have my confirmation like everyone else to be there at 8:30pm for night court.

I cannot contact the courts because the number is always busy or the recording says "there are too many in the queue, call again later". I will continue to try. Should I be concerned? Will this get dismissed? Is there another agency I should contact?

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by Geronimo1

I have a moving violation that was set for arraignment in CALIFORNIA. When I got to court I found about 15 to 20 others waiting out front of a dark and locked court house in LA County. You can say we were surprised and no one knew what to do about the situation.

I set up this date at the website used by the LA Courts. I have my confirmation like everyone else to be there at 8:30pm for night court.

I cannot contact the courts because the number is always busy or the recording says "there are too many in the queue, call again later". I will continue to try. Should I be concerned? Will this get dismissed? Is there another agency I should contact?

The reason why you seen a dark courthouse at 8:30pm is because there is no such thing as an 8:30 night court session ANYWHERE in LA County. Night court starts at 5 at some courts and 5:30 at others...so at 8:30, everyone was already home. Not only will this not get dismissed, if you don't show up in court say tomorrow (Tuesday) at one of their day sessions, they WILL issue an FTA.

[Geronimo1]

So I can show up anytime? I dont need to call and reschedule? You say go to a day session, I dont have that luxury. Is there a reason to go during the day instead of night?

[The Occultist]

Originally Posted by Geronimo1

So I can show up anytime? I dont need to call and reschedule? You say go to a day session, I dont have that luxury. Is there a reason to go during the day instead of night?

Yes, to make sure somebody is there so you can show up to court IMMEDIATELY in order to make sure you don't dig yourself too big of a hole.

[Pugilist]

Obviously the court computer was putting out notices with the wrong time. Be sure to save that notice. And could you post as to which courthouse it was, and the date? Or post the notice (without your name & case # of course) somewhere and post the link?

Pug

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by Geronimo1

So I can show up anytime? I dont need to call and reschedule? You say go to a day session, I dont have that luxury. Is there a reason to go during the day instead of night?

Yes because most courts give a certain grace period in order to appear to your arraignment, and if the court only has night court one day a week, you risk missing that date..thus a warrant and FTA issued. So, make the arrangements to be at a day court session. ASAP

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by Pugilist

Obviously the court computer was putting out notices with the wrong time. Be sure to save that notice. And could you post as to which courthouse it was, and the date? Or post the notice (without your name & case # of course) somewhere and post the link?

Pug

Or obviously the 8:30 he saw was 8:30AM (which is when the morning sessions start) as opposed to 8:30pm... people do it all the time.