You received a traffic ticket. You planned to appear in court… but forgot. Now what? Missing a traffic court date can trigger serious legal consequences, depending on your state and the nature of your ticket.
Potential Outcomes of Missing Court:
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Bench warrant for arrest
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Default conviction
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License suspension
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Additional fines or fees
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Points on your driving record
If a Warrant Is Issued:
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You can be arrested during a routine stop
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May need to post bail
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The ticket becomes a criminal issue, not just civil
What You Should Do ASAP:
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Contact the traffic court to reschedule
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File a “motion to vacate” judgment (if applicable)
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Work with a traffic lawyer to clear the warrant
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Pay the fine only after exploring legal options
Don’t Wait: The longer you delay, the more expensive and difficult it becomes.
Pro Tip: Some states offer amnesty programs or walk-in court days to resolve old tickets.
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