wtfbbq... "court appearance required" over a parking ticket

[nageov3t]

I got a parking ticket today for overtime parking at a meter... not *that* unusual. I park my car outside of my office at 4 pm every day. the meters run until 6 pm with a max time of 1 hour. I usually put my 1 hour in the meter at 4 and come down again at 5 pm, but sometimes I can't make it down and end up with a ticket. not a big deal.

but for some reason, the ticket I got today had the "court appearance required" box checked. :| wtfbbq... the court date falls during a vacation I already have scheduled as well :|

I'm half considering just paying the ticket through the mail, skipping out on the court date, and see if anything happens... I mean, the check mark isn't actually even in the box. it's more off to the side, grazing the box.

 

[fitzov]

maybe you are on the no-fly list

 

[douglasb]

I think if you pay the ticket it's an admission of guilt and you don't need court, but I would call to make sure. They might make you take defensive driving or something, or give you community service in lieu of a fine.

 

[Injury]

Call and ask for an explanation, or speak to the judge and ask to have the court date changed.

They really can't withhold the reasoning for requiring a court date from you.

 

[DurocShark]

Most courts will allow you to reschedule. Just give 'em a call. Explain you'll be out of the state on that date and would like to move it outside of that week.

 

[nageov3t]

looks like it was either a mistake or the "court appearance required" note never got processed. over-worked inner-city court systems FTW :thumbsup:

I called the court today and was able to pay the ticket over the phone. neither they nor I mentioned a thing about a court appearance.