No one likes to see flashing lights in their rearview window. This usually means that you are about to get a ticket for a traffic violation. Some people feel that situations like this are unimportant. After all, it’s only a traffic ticket. What’s the worst that could happen? Well, let’s look at some of the consequences you might face if you ignore your North Carolina traffic citations.
Failing to Appear in Court
Many traffic citations require you to attend a hearing. If you skip your court date, your case will be marked “called and failed.” Then, about 20 days later, the court issues a Failure to Appear against you. Continuing to ignore your North Carolina traffic citations could result in the following:
- notification to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and
- suspension of your license for an indefinite period of time.
If you continue to ignore your North Carolina traffic citations, the court may issue an order for your arrest.
Failing to Pay Your Fine
In some cases, you might go to your court hearing – a good first step. The judge orders you to pay a certain amount as a fine. If you choose to ignore the judge’s order, the following things might have:
After 40 days, the court reports you to the NC DMV.
Your license may be revoked. It will remain revoked until you resolve your fine. In the meantime, you might have accumulated additional fines and court costs.
Additional Problems Associated with Ignoring North Carolina Traffic Citations
Penalties assessed and actions taken by the court can lead to other problems. For example, losing your driver’s license could make it impossible to get to work. Loss of income is more than a minor annoyance.
Being arrested for any reason can be really embarrassing. Here, again, you could lose your job along with your freedom. Getting yourself out of jail might include hiring both a bail bond agent and an attorney. Your court costs and legal fees are almost guaranteed to be more than the cost of your initial traffic citation.
No, It’s Not Okay to Ignore North Carolina Traffic Citations.
The ticket itself carried a penalty, usually a fine if it was a minor offense. By failing to take care of your citations, you typically will see increased legal fees, court costs, penalties, along with suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.
Attorney Leslie Craft has the experience you need to deal with traffic violations. Ms. Craft’s goal is always to help her clients get past their legal problems and get on with their lives.
To schedule a free personal consultation, call Craft Law Offices at (252) 752-0297 or email us at le************@***il.com. My offices are located in Greenville, Morehead City, and Rocky Mount for your convenience. I also represent clients in surrounding Eastern North Carolina communities, including Warrenton, Elizabeth City, Roanoke Rapids, Goldsboro, and Jacksonville.