WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT SHOW UP FOR COURT?

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 40903, if you fail to appear and/or address the matter before the Court (by personal appearance, in writing, telephonically, or via the Internet), the court may proceed without you. A Trial will be calendared with the Court and held in your absence. The court will send no further notice to you. If you fail to appear or show good cause why you did not appear, a civil assessment (fine) will be imposed against you in the amount of $300.00. The court will initiate a civil action against you, which may include a possible wage garnishment and/or lien against your property. In addition, the court will notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (Vehicle Code Section 40509.5; Vehicle Code Section 40002.1, which may result in the suspension of your driver’s license and a hold on your vehicle registration.

When you get an FTA, there will be several consequences such as:

1. High fines starting at $300 and can go up to $1,800!
2. The DMV will suspend your driver’s license until you correct your FTA. If caught driving while your license is suspended, the officer will most likely have your vehicle impounded for 30 days (VC 14601.1)
3. You will not be able to renew your insurance and your license
4. This will show on background checks when you apply for jobs and other opportunities.
5. The court will sell your ticket off to an independent debt collection agency, which in turn will charge you even larger fines!

CA Traffic Tickets does not handle FTA’s. However, if you can get your FTA corrected AND get a new court date, we can definitely help you then fight your ticket. To begin getting your FTA corrected, you will need to go down to the courthouse and speak with a traffic clerk at the window. Once you get a new court date, call us for a free consultation.

California Traffic Tickets has an 80% Success Rate at Winning our cases!