Traffic Court Commits Criminal Offense

In May 1999, I plead guilty to:
• Speeding
• Driving w/o insurance. I have insurance now.
• Failure to appear

Fined $1,750, $35.00 service charge added for privilege to make installment payments. After 4 months, I couldn't afford to pay anymore, so I was charged another $250.

When I was in court an individual was incarcerated because he didn't have the money to pay his fine, so I was reluctatnt to appear in court and claim the same.

I realize I messed up but this was just a minor infraction case and I think the fine amount is unjust. On top of all of this my license was suspended for not paying the fine. I was pulled over, car was impounded and I was charged with CVC 12500(a). I was not arrested because I hadn't been served by the DMV yet.

Is it too late to change my guilty plea to a not guilty plea? (don't laugh)

I also noticed that the officer wrote down the wrong last name on the citation.

Honestly, would a lawyer be able to reduce this fine amount?

Thank you for you time.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

I like when you said, " . . . this was just a minor infraction case". Now, who's fooling who?

In answer to your question, "No".

Now you've got two failures to appear, and warrants for your arrest. What are you gonna do for an encore?

IAAL

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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."

$1,7500.00 fine for speeding and not having insurance and you don't think that theres anything wrong with this fine amount - THATS BIZARRE!

[LegalBeagle]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Matt Ruiz:
$1,7500.00 fine for speeding and not having insurance and you don't think that theres anything wrong with this fine amount - THATS BIZARRE!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

and had you had an accident and hurt someone, exactly who would have paid for that ? There is a reason to have insurance. Ask anyone who has ever been hit by an un-insured driver if that amount is unjust and they would say yes, it should be more. The pain and suffering people go through when involved with an un-insured driver is incrediable.

Btw, to get an attorney you would need to pay a retainer. If you have money for a retainer, you have money to pay the fine.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

PENALTY ASSESSMENTS

WHAT IS PENALTY ASSESSMENT?

It is an amount which is added to all fines and for bail for infractions and low grade misdemeanor offenses. It is charged pursuant to Government Code Section 76000 and Penal Code Section 1464 of the State of California. According to the law, the amount of the Penalty Assessment is $17.00 for every $10.00 or portion thereof of the fine or bail.

Example:

If one is fined $25.00, the Penalty Assessment charge will be $51.00 (3 X $17.00), plus the original fine of $25.00, plus any other assessment.
For every $17.00 of assessment collected, the money is allocated as follows:

$10.00 State Penalty Fund (1464 PC)
$7.00 County Penalty Fund (76000 GC)
The Penalty Assessment amount is subject to change by the legislature.

IAAL

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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."