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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    5

    Default Paying "Bail" for a Traffic Violation

    My question involves traffic court in the State of: CA

    About a month ago (10/5) I made an illegal turn and got pulled over. The thing is, I am 16 and still have a provisional license, but I had a friend in the car with me. So basically he wrote a ticket for the illegal turn and the minor in the car.

    I am confused about a few things.

    1. On the ticket there is no price and information on how to pay.
    2. On the ticket it says to appear at court by 11/20, however I received a mail today about attending traffic school and a "bail" price?
    3. If I pay this "bail" amount I received in the mail, then am I still required to go to court?
    4. If I pay this "bail" amount, then do I still have to pay for the ticket (which I never received the price or instruction).

    edit: Also, if I go to court, then do I still have to pay the bail amount?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    LA LA Land
    Posts
    9,170

    Default Re: Paying "Bail" for a Traffic Violation

    Quote Quoting hanyoon
    View Post
    1. On the ticket there is no price and information on how to pay.
    2. On the ticket it says to appear at court by 11/20, however I received a mail today about attending traffic school and a "bail" price?
    3. If I pay this "bail" amount I received in the mail, then am I still required to go to court?
    4. If I pay this "bail" amount, then do I still have to pay for the ticket (which I never received the price or instruction).

    edit: Also, if I go to court, then do I still have to pay the bail amount?
    First of all, the fine amount is usually equal to the bail amount. Usually, if you plead "not guilty" the court will order you to post bail in an amount equal to the fine amount so that if you decide not to show up, then the court enters a guilty verdict, and converts the "bail" into the fine... So now they have their money, they don't have to come after you to collect it. That is the way it works for an adult.

    With you being a juvenile, yes you still have to go to court. In fact you must also have a parent/guardian attend with you on the date stated on your ticket/courtesy notice or any later date if you choose to get an extension.

    So no... You can't just pay the bail amount, you must also make a personal appearance at the court where your case is scheduled.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: Paying "Bail" for a Traffic Violation

    Okay, so if I just appear at court (with my mom), I don't need to pay the bail amount, am I correct?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    LA LA Land
    Posts
    9,170

    Default Re: Paying "Bail" for a Traffic Violation

    Quote Quoting hanyoon
    View Post
    Okay, so if I just appear at court (with my mom), I don't need to pay the bail amount, am I correct?
    If you appear in court on or before the date shown on your citation, then you do not have to post bail before then. If you plead not guilty and your case is scheduled for trial then the judge may order you to post bail at the time.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    5

    Default I'm a Minor and I Got a Traffic Ticket

    10/5 I made an illegal turn (didn't see the sign) and got pulled over. The thing is, I am 16 and still have a provisional license, but I had a friend in the car with me. So basically he wrote a ticket for the illegal turn and the minor in the car.

    I am confused about a few things.

    1. On the ticket there is no price and information on how to pay.
    2. On the ticket it says to appear at court by 11/20, however the officer did not "check" which court I need to go to.
    3. I went on occourts.org and looked up my citation. It shows "N" or "No" for the field "Mandatory Appearance"
    4. I received a Courtesy Notice that gives me a Bail Amount and optional Traffic School fee. Nowhere in it does it say "you must make an appearance in court."

    I am totally confused right now.

    1. Did the officer forget to 'check' which court I need to appear at?
    2. Am I even required to go to court? On the website and in the courtesy notice it says no, but I've read somewhere that all minors must go to court? Is this true?
    3. And if I am not required to go to court, then do I pay the bail amount?

    Help would be greatly appreciated!

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