This occurred in Travis County, Texas. I received a ticket for having an expired registration. The state trooper said if I get it renewed I can show up to court with proof and I will only have to pay a $20 administrative fee. He also said to wait at least 20 days for the system to file the citation. I received the ticket 06/05, got my vehicle inspected and renewed the registration within the next few days then went on orders for military training until the end of the month. I got home 06/30, the citation made it into the system 06/29 and I had to appear in court or mail in my plea and $20 fee by 07/05. So I effectively I had only 7 days to give my plea, which is enough time but when I got home from being away from any source of outside communication and work I ended up forgetting about my citation. I've also never been given such short amount of time to pay a ticket.
Is there a minimum amount of time given to the defendant to plea or pay their citation? I showed up to court three days after my initial date and they said I ! had to pay the full fee. I'm out of the state for work for the next five months and was told that's too long to be able to meet with a prosecutor. I understand this and five months is a long time to delay this simple citation, however is it a possibility to meet with a prosecutor five months later or do they have a minimum amount of time it needs to be taken care of in?
Thanks.
Is there a minimum amount of time given to the defendant to plea or pay their citation? I showed up to court three days after my initial date and they said I ! had to pay the full fee. I'm out of the state for work for the next five months and was told that's too long to be able to meet with a prosecutor. I understand this and five months is a long time to delay this simple citation, however is it a possibility to meet with a prosecutor five months later or do they have a minimum amount of time it needs to be taken care of in?
Thanks.