What happens if I don't show up for my trial?

[Aznsilvrboy]

So I got this small city parking ticket last year and decided to dispute it and got my notice of trial two weeks ago. I have a job now, so I can't be bothered to take a day off work for the trial (I still lose money even if I win), so I would rather just pay off the fine. Can I still pay off the fine at this stage and be done with it? What happens if I don't show up at my trial?

[iEyeCaptain]

This (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/automotive-f40/)happens.

[kennyhohoho]

Nothing really. They'll just send you a bill for the original cost of the ticket as if you didn't book a trial date.

[sedated_xtc]

Now mind you, I'm no expert, but I think that the court date isn't voluntary, it's a mandatory thing. You didn't' have to schedule it, but since you wanted to dispute your parking ticket, the city has made the time to schedule you a time for you and you just kinda stood them up.

In this case, I think worst case scenario, you get a failure to appear warrant. I doubt that a swat team would show up at your house, but it might be on your file so if you ever get pulled over and they run your id, it'll show up and they'll arrest you then. But that's the WORST case scenario adn honestly, I'm not even sure if that happens. =/

And I think at this point, your right to dispute the ticket has been forfeited and so you'll have to pay that fine and probably additional fines/admin costs.

[Manatus]

Yes, you can pay off the fine at any point up until your trial. Really that's what they want you to do. Just call the courthouse.

[Shaner]

You get convicted in absentia and depending on your municipality, you could be looking at court costs on top of the original fine. If you can't attend trial, pay it ahead of time.

[flashy_mcflash]

Nothing really. They'll just send you a bill for the original cost of the ticket as if you didn't book a trial date.

This. I believe they tack on an administrative fee too.

[Aznsilvrboy]

Paying off the fine before the trial is best for me. Okay I will call the court house and ask.

[manyapples]

You get convicted in absentia and depending on your municipality, you could be looking at court costs on top of the original fine. If you can't attend trial, pay it ahead of time.

:arrowu: This.