unpaid speeding ticket

What is the name of your state? texas

My brother got a ticket in a neighboring county (Tarrant County) at least 3 years ago. He has never paid it and last time he called about it, the cost was over $400.00. He will never be able to pay this. Is there anyway to get it reduced or get out of it? OR will it eventually fall off of his record? If he gets pulled over in Tarrant county, they will likely arrest him, but what about other counties? Is it safe for him to drive anywhere or does he risk getting arrest for a warrant all over Texas? i am concerned b/c I let him drive my car at times and do not want my car impounded if he gets pulled over.

[racer72]

A couple of things. His license has probably been suspended. He would find this out if he is pulled over. And he probably has a warrant out for his arrest. He would also find this out if he is pulled over anywhere in Texas. If you don't want your car impounded, buy him a bus pass. And tell him to get a job and start saving, the clock is ticking, he will be busted some day.

[JETX]

Racer is correct. Your brother is subject to arrest on an outstanding warrant and when he is arrested (and it will happen), YOUR car will be towed and impounded. Depending on how fast you can recover it, you are likely looking at a few hundred dollars to get your car out..... and no telling what condition it will be in.

Also, lets not forget that since he is driving your car, you will be liable for any damages that he might cause if he has an accident. So, this is a HUGE risk you are taking in letting him drive your car.

Finally, the arrest warrant is not limited only to Tarrant county, or even to Texas. There is a strong probability that the warrant has been entered into the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) computer and he will be detained and towed wherever he may be.

Simply, not smart on your side..... this is simply a ticking bomb and you will be caught in the blast.

And to add to my two esteemed colleagues (and Bennie and the JetX)...If there comes a time when your brother wants to renew his license, it won't happen. He will not be able to get a new license as long as the warrant exists.

To reduce, go to the courthouse and see the judge. What happens from that point on depends on who the judge is. While your there, pay the fine, it'll only cost you more if you don't.

IF he does get some money together for this, can we just send it in? Does he HAVE to go to the courthouse?

Is there a database, I can check to see if he has any other warrants or fines?

The only database I know of where you can check to see if a bench warrant has been issues is the Police Station, but only your brother or the police can do the checking. Your brother can do the checking by going to the desk sargeant and asking "Do I have a warrant for my arrest?" But tell him not to expect a hot dinner waiting at home if one exists.

And no, you can't just send in the money. It's not a ticket now. If a warrant has been issues your brother, besides the original ticket, now has contempt of court charges against him which will require he appear in court and answer to why he didn't pay the original fine or appear in court.

The best thing I can advise at this point is to contact an attorney in the jurisdiction he was ticketed and see if a deal can be worked out with the court. Of course, forget the original fine. It's going to be much more now because he ignored the original ticket and no court is going to be made a fool of twice.