What happens if I miss my mandatory traffic appearance in Marina Traffic Court?
If you have received a traffic ticket in Monterey County, you should pay close attention to the due dates and mandatory appearance dates specified on your ticket. Some tickets, such as those for VC 22348(b) Speed in Excess of 100mph and VC 12500, unlicensed driver, will have mandatory appearances. Failing to appear in court on a mandatory appearance date can have serious consequences.
In Marina Traffic Court, if you miss your mandatory appearance, the court will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
California Vehicle Code Section 40508(a) allows a judge to issue a bench warrant when a defendant fails to appear in court as required. This means that if you miss your mandatory appearance in Marina Traffic Court, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. The warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest you and bring you before the court. Police may not show up on your front door but it will show up in the system their next time you get pulled over.
In addition to the bench warrant, there may be other consequences for missing your mandatory appearance. The court may increase the fines or fees associated with your case. Your driver’s license may be suspended or placed on hold, making it impossible for you to legally drive until the issue is resolved.
So, what should you do if you miss your mandatory traffic appearance in Marina Traffic Court? The best course of action is to contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help put your case back on the court calendar and get the bench warrant recalled. In many cases, an attorney can appear on your behalf, so you may not even need to go to court. This is especially helpful for drivers who are from outside of Monterey County.
Once the warrant is recalled, the attorney can work to get any civil assessment vacated. A civil assessment is an additional fine that can be imposed on defendants who fail to appear in court. Getting the civil assessment vacated can save you hundreds of dollars.
Finally, the attorney can fight the underlying traffic ticket. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced charge or get the case dismissed altogether. An experienced attorney knows the ins and outs of traffic law and can work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
If you missed your mandatory traffic appearance in Marina Traffic Court, don’t wait to take action. Contact my office today. We will provide a free consultation and case analysis. We can help you understand your options and work to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.
