Is a MIP Citation Valid if You Don't Sign It

[rekka_oujo]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oklahoma

I recieved my first citation a few days ago in Oklahoma (I live in Texas, we were camping) and there were seven of us. I called the number the park ranger wrote down on the citation, but they said it hadn't been filed yet. The lady asked what I had and I told her I had an MIP and she told me out flat it would be 296 dollars and a suspended license for 6 months.

There is a part on the citation where it states exactly:

NOTICE: Release upon personal recognizance based upon a signed written promise to appear for arraignment is conditional and failure to timely appear for arraignment shall result in suspension of the arrested person's driver license in Oklahoma, or in the nonresident's home state pursuant to the Nonresident Violator Compact.

WITHOUT ADMITTING GUILT, I promise to appear in said court at said time and place (then there is a dotted line to sign)

I DID NOT SIGN THE DOCUMENT. My friend was there and also got a citation. She signed hers, but I was never asked to sign mine. I was never given a breathalizer or a field sobriety test of any kind. I did not have a beer in my hand when the officer walked up.

My questions are can Oklahoma really suspend my Texas license?
I didn't sign the citation; is it vallid?
Do I have to drive back to Oklahoma to take care of this?

[LawResearcherMissy]

My questions are can Oklahoma really suspend my Texas license?

Yes. They didn't print that notation on the citation just for giggles.

I didn't sign the citation; is it vallid?

Yes. Just because you decided not to sign it does not make the citation invalid and does not release you from your responsibility to appear in court. Failure to appear can result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.

Do I have to drive back to Oklahoma to take care of this?

Unless you're interested in an arrest warrant and the possibility of sampling the fine state guest accommodations, yes.