Can the additional fine for lack of registration and insurance be lifted if found in the vehicle after the departure of the officer?
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Can the additional fine for lack of registration and insurance be lifted if found in the vehicle after the departure of the officer?
I was pulled over for a traffic violation and couldn’t find my registration due to moving things in and out of the car previously. I forgot that he mentioned insurance afterward. After I got the ticket I decided to look more thoroughly and found the registration under my driver’s seat. An up to date copy of my insurance is always kept in my phone.
Asked on July 7, 2018 under General Practice, Louisiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Yes, the prosecutor has the discretion, or right, to dismiss the charges in a case like this, or to propose a lesser fine or punishment; and even if he/she does not, the judge could elect to do so. So while there is no guaranty that the fine will be reduced (or charge dismissed), it is possible and so you need to bring this up when you appear for court.
This answer presupposes that you have not yet had the court date. If you already have and the fine has already been imposed, there is nothing you could do as a practical matter: you would have to file an appeal of the decision, and even if you won, the appeal would cost more than the amount you hope to get back.
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