Question regarding a traffic ticket I recieved

[Calawishis]

What is the name of your state? California

I recieved a ticket about a month ago from an LAPD officer. I checked on the [url]www.lasuperiorcourt.org[/url] under my Driver's License number to see if it was filed, and it never was. Last week I recieved a courtesy letter in the mail, only to see that my driver's license number was wrong on the courtesy letter by one number. I then looked up the false driver's license number on the LA Superior Court website, and there it was, filed under the wrond DL number.

So my question is, can I use this to get the case dropped when I see a judge? Is there anything I can do about that to get my ticket dropped? Thanks in advance.

[The Occultist]

You broke the law and you're trying to get out of it based on a clerical error? This isn't like a supermarket where they'll give you the benefit of the doubt to retain a policy of customer service.

[Calawishis]

Well, I was told by my father that if the cop or court messes up any of your information, the case gets dropped. That's the only reason I ask.

But see, look at it like this: If I never report to court, nothing will ever go on my record because they did not file that ticket under my driver's license number. Not that I plan on doing that, but do you see what I mean?

[You Are Guilty]

Originally Posted by Calawishis

Well, I was told by my father that if the cop or court messes up any of your information, the case gets dropped. That's the only reason I ask.

But see, look at it like this: If I never report to court, nothing will ever go on my record because they did not file that ticket under my driver's license number. Not that I plan on doing that, but do you see what I mean?

And when the wrong driver (whose number does appear) complains that he got ticketed for something he didn't do, and the court correlates the car info (i.e. plate number) with the driver and sees he's correct and that it was YOU who they meant to ticket, what do you think happens? They just shrug, throw up their hands and say "fuggedaboudit"?

[sukharev]

Oh, but who says the license plate was correct?

Anyhow, they WILL find you, and if you try to evade justice it will make your problem a whole lot bigger. Go and fight the ticket, but don't just hope it slippes through the cracks.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Calawishis

Well, I was told by my father that if the cop or court messes up any of your information, the case gets dropped. That's the only reason I ask.

But see, look at it like this: If I never report to court, nothing will ever go on my record because they did not file that ticket under my driver's license number. Not that I plan on doing that, but do you see what I mean?

While the court clerk may have entered the number incorrectly on the website or the database, they stiull have the "hard copy" of the cite, and that is the information that will likely get reported to DMV.

Is it worth the risk that they won't double check that when issuing a warrant for your failure to appear?

Best to show in court and fight the matter on the merits or lack thereof.

- Carl