If you are given a traffic ticket by a law enforcement officer in Arizona, you are responsible for understanding the consequences this could have and what your obligations are in terms of responding. If you ignore a traffic ticket without addressing it, you could face various administrative and even criminal penalties. Consult an Arizona traffic violation lawyer to seek legal guidance and schedule your free case evaluation online today.
What Does It Mean to Ignore a Traffic Ticket?
Traffic tickets are handed out for various moving violations in Arizona, such as speeding, running a red light and driving with a broken taillight. Ignoring a traffic ticket means you fail to pay the required fine, appear in court at the specified date or otherwise respond. It is an additional infraction that could come with multiple consequences.
Higher Fines
If you ignore the initial ticket and fine, the amount you are required to pay will likely increase. You may be subject to various late fees, surcharges and additional fines. This can make it more difficult for you financially to meet the state’s requirements – adding to the likelihood of a failure to pay.
Removal of the Driving Privilege
The first action that is often taken against an individual who has not paid a traffic ticket in Arizona is driver’s license suspension. In most cases, the suspension will remain in place until the individual has paid the applicable traffic tickets (plus any additional fines) and gotten the driver’s license reinstated.
Vehicle Registration Suspension
The Arizona Motor Vehicle Department may suspend your motor vehicle registration in addition to your driver’s license. This means you won’t be allowed to renew your vehicle registration until you pay the ticket or resolve the matter.
Insurance Increases
Having unpaid traffic tickets on your driving record can signal to a car insurance company that you are a high-risk driver. This can result in higher premium payments or your insurance company dropping you as a client.
Arrest Warrant
If you are ticketed for a criminal traffic violation in Arizona, you will be required to appear at the courthouse listed on the ticket at the specified time and date. If you ignore this, a warrant for your arrest could be issued by the courts. This means law enforcement officers will have the authority to locate, detain and potentially book you into jail.
Criminal Charges
You may face criminal charges if your license or registration gets suspended due to an ignored traffic ticket, but you are caught driving anyway. Driving on a suspended license can come with a jail sentence, fines, probation and vehicle impoundment.
How to Respond to a Traffic Ticket in Arizona
For the most part, the traffic ticket you receive will have fine print explaining what you need to do. Read the ticket carefully for instructions on how to proceed. You may be required to pay a fine or appear in court on a particular date. The ticket will also give you a deadline by which you must respond; typically, within 10 to 20 days of the receipt of the ticket.
You generally have two options for responding to a traffic ticket in Arizona. You can admit responsibility by paying the fine or agreeing to attend defensive driving school, if this is an offered solution. You could also contest the ticket by requesting a hearing and hiring a traffic ticket attorney in Arizona to represent you. An Arizona traffic ticket attorney can present evidence and legal arguments to try to have the citation dismissed on your behalf – protecting you from potential penalties. Contact Corso Law Group to discuss your legal options and schedule your free consultation today.
