traffic violation and court appearance in Arlington

[Anonymous]

DH turned right on "orange" and got caught. (no turn on red was
posted). he got a ticket and the officer didn't check the box so he has to go to court.
here is the deal: he's a consultant and has been on the bench for too long. his co-workers on the same
situation are being let go and we're so scared he'll lose his job. he's the only income source in our household.
he got an assignment for the whole week in CA but he's supposed to be in court one of those days.
what happens if he doesn't show up in court? I tried reading the paper the officer gave us but there's no helpful information...
TIA

[Anonymous]

He can try calling the court and ask to have it rescheduled. I've done that in Fairfax with no problem.

[Anonymous]

Call and tell them he is out of town. While you may run into someone who is insanley rigid and bureacratic, there's a good chance you won't. I doubt Arlington County wants your husband to risk losing his job. Tell them the situation, ask if (1) he could just pay the fine, (2) you could go in his place, or (3) you can reschedule.

[Anonymous]

I recently got a speeding ticket in Arlington. I was able to plead "no contest" before the court date and pay my fine, thus avoiding having to go into court.

I'm guessing your husband isn't going to fight it, so in that case I would just try to plead no contest, pay up, and avoid having to go into court in the first place. There should be a number to call for more information on the paperwork (ticket) he received at the time. Take a closer look - in my case it was on the back.

[Anonymous]

unfortunatelly the officer didn't check the box so there's no way to pay and let go. I'll read the fine print again and see I can find the phone number. thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

oh boy... the only number on the paper (703 228 4599) is an automated message about how to pay by phone/on line with no option to talk to a real person

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You could always go down to the courthouse and speak to a clerk OP. I'd see what methods of payment they accept and bring one in case you can take care of it. If he has to make an appearance (sounds like the officer made a mistake) just ask to have it rescheduled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:oh boy... the only number on the paper (703 228 4599) is an automated message about how to pay by phone/on line with no option to talk to a real person

I'm confused. If there is a number to call and pay, why don't you just pay? What is this "box" the officer didn't check. Is it possible you are taking too strict of an interpretation of the rules?

[Anonymous]

You should be able to look up the clerk's number online or in the phone book.

[Anonymous]

I'll walk to the courthouse. tried finding another number bur no success.
the issue with the box not checked is that the summons says "you must appear at trial. you may avoid coming to court only if this box is checked" and the box is not checked
anyway thanks a lot... it's a nice day out there let's go for a walk

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently got a speeding ticket in Arlington. I was able to plead "no contest" before the court date and pay my fine, thus avoiding having to go into court.

I'm guessing your husband isn't going to fight it, so in that case I would just try to plead no contest, pay up, and avoid having to go into court in the first place. There should be a number to call for more information on the paperwork (ticket) he received at the time. Take a closer look - in my case it was on the back.

NP here. Paying a fine and pleading "no contest" sounds like a good option since you usually admit guilt to the offense by paying the fine. How do you plead "no contest"?

[Anonymous]

Tell us how it goes OP. I can't imagine why the officer didn't check the darn box (but now I see why him not checking it is a big deal).