Expert: Robin Sexton - 6/23/2008

Question
I received an appearance ticket for criminal mischief in the 4th degree, not prouid of it either. Anyhow I arrived to court and it was not open. I waited around for 45 minutes than came back to the local police and told them my problem, showed them my ticket and they called and there is not court at that court on that date and time...so what do I do to remedy this, I do not want a warrent out for my arrest? Who do I call now, the police department was of no help? Do you think I can get away with this due to the police officers negilence on knowing what dates the court is open on. Beisdes I was stopped in one spot before and went to a different court than the one on this recent ticket. I dont know what to do now

Answer
Janine,

Don't disregard the ticket.  Try calling the court or the police department that wrote the ticket.  If you can tell them where the alleged incident happened they should be able to direct you to the correct court.  You need to respond to the ticket, guilty or not guilty failure to answer the ticket makes even more problems.  The duty is now on you to take care of it.  The fact that the cop made a mistake on the ticket does not change anything.  It may have some relevance if you get in trouble for not responding in a timely manner but the original charge it doesn't change.



Good luck

robin