How can I do community service instead of paying a ticket?
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How can I do community service instead of paying a ticket?
On the 1st of this month I received a ticket for not making a full stop at a red light. The fine is $490 and $539 if I want to attend traffic school. I’m in my first year of college and have to pay tuition and fees for books so I don’t have the financial ability to pay the ticket. I currently work 9 or less hours a week at a minimum wage job and I was wondering how I can convince or get a judge to let me do community service instead of paying the ticket?
Asked on September 8, 2011 under General Practice, California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The best way to try and get community service time instead of a court fine for the ticket you received for not stopping at a red light is to show up in court and ask the judge if community service time in lieu if a dollar fine is an option for your situtation and explain the reasons for the request.
You need to be aware that not all counties in California have a community service program as part of the criminal justice system due to the economic down turn in this state and throughout this country.
One possibility is that if you are not given community service time to work off the fine for the ticket in lieu of a cash payment, the court may allow you to make monthly installment payments to whittle down whatever fine you receive. Make sure that you ask for monthly payment installments as an option if no community service time is allotted you.
Good luck.
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