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    beardedsk8er's Avatar
    beardedsk8er Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 18, 2008, 09:04 PM
    Should I plead Guilty or Not Guilty to a Fix-it-Ticket?
    I'm hoping someone has had some experience with Fix-it-Tickets and could offer some advice.

    Anyway, several months ago, I received a Fix-it-Ticket for a headlight that was out. I replaced the headlight the next day, but stupidly, I wasn't paying attention and I missed the date to send in proof of correction. And I later received a notice that I could pay the $700.00+ for the ticket or take the case to court. I set a court date and then I finally did get the required inspection papers from the CHP.

    Now I'm not sure if It's smarter to plead Guilty or Not Guilty and plead my case. I obviously got a ticket for a headlight that was out and didn't I admit to that when I signed the ticket in front of the issuing officer?

    Can I receive a heavier penalty for trying to fight a ticket than just pleading guilty?

    This is for a ticket in Los Angeles county, if that makes a difference.
    geegi-babydoll's Avatar
    geegi-babydoll Posts: 13, Reputation: 0
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    #2

    Aug 18, 2008, 10:04 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by beardedsk8er
    I'm hoping someone has had some experience with Fix-it-Tickets and could offer some advice.

    Anyway, several months ago, I received a Fix-it-Ticket for a headlight that was out. I replaced the headlight the next day, but stupidly, I wasn't paying attention and I missed the date to send in proof of correction. And I later received a notice that I could pay the $700.00+ for the ticket or take the case to court. I set a court date and then I finally did get the required inspection papers from the CHP.

    Now I'm not sure if It's smarter to plead Guilty or Not Guilty and plead my case. I obviously got a ticket for a headlight that was out and didn't I admit to that when I signed the ticket in front of the issuing officer?

    Can I receive a heavier penalty for trying to fight a ticket than just pleading guilty?

    This is for a ticket in Los Angeles county, if that makes a difference.
    Well I am in law enforcement and security. And if I were you I would plead guilty and pay the ticket - because if you don't the ticket will go up, and then if you keep on not paying it their will be a warrant out for your arrest. Then from their it just gets worse!!
    beardedsk8er's Avatar
    beardedsk8er Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Aug 18, 2008, 10:43 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by geegi-babydoll
    well i am in law enforcement and security. and if i were you i would plead guilty and pay the ticket - because if you dont the ticket will go up, and then if you keep on not paying it their will be a warrant out for your arrest. then from their it just gets worse!!!!!!!!!!!!
    No, I'm definitely going to pay the ticket but I have a court date now and when I show up I would like to say why I feel I'm not guilty. At the same time I don't want to waste the court's time on such a minor case and I don't know how judges feel about that, Any suggestions?
    geegi-babydoll's Avatar
    geegi-babydoll Posts: 13, Reputation: 0
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    #4

    Aug 18, 2008, 10:49 PM
    They Don't Want You To Waste Their Time!! Just See If You Can Talk To Them And Say It Was An Honest Mistake And Forgot To Send The Proof That You Fixed It!! Then See If You Can Pay It Off - Trust Me They Will Be A Lot Happier If You Do It That Way And Get It Over With - Rather Than Wasting Time!!
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #5

    Aug 19, 2008, 02:27 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by beardedsk8er
    I'm hoping someone has had some experience with Fix-it-Tickets and could offer some advice.

    Anyway, several months ago, I received a Fix-it-Ticket for a headlight that was out. I replaced the headlight the next day, but stupidly, I wasn't paying attention and I missed the date to send in proof of correction. And I later received a notice that I could pay the $700.00+ for the ticket or take the case to court. I set a court date and then I finally did get the required inspection papers from the CHP.

    Now I'm not sure if It's smarter to plead Guilty or Not Guilty and plead my case. I obviously got a ticket for a headlight that was out and didn't I admit to that when I signed the ticket in front of the issuing officer?

    Can I receive a heavier penalty for trying to fight a ticket than just pleading guilty?

    This is for a ticket in Los Angeles county, if that makes a difference.

    In my area "I forgot" is not a defense - you didn't pay it, you owe for it. I'd pay it because I think you will lose in Court unless the Judge is extremely understanding.

    On one hand you DID get it fixed and forgot to send the proof; on the other hand you got the fix it ticket so the Court didn't have to handle it - and now they do.

    Depends on the Court and the climate in that Court.
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #6

    Aug 19, 2008, 02:28 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by geegi-babydoll
    well i am in law enforcement and security. and if i were you i would plead guilty and pay the ticket - because if you dont the ticket will go up, and then if you keep on not paying it their will be a warrant out for your arrest. then from their it just gets worse!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Just curious - what exactly do you do in law enforcement?
    geegi-babydoll's Avatar
    geegi-babydoll Posts: 13, Reputation: 0
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    #7

    Aug 19, 2008, 10:52 PM
    Well Right Now I Am Only 19 So I Am Too Young, So I Am Doing Just A Regular Security Job, And It Sucks - Because I Don't Get My Gun Or Anything - And It Really Sucks Because I Am Already Certified In Levels 1, 2, And 3 , Handgun And Shotgun, Mace, Baton, Handcuffs, And Compliance And Control Holds. But Yet I Can't Do Any Of That Here, Because This Is Not That Kind Of Place And I Have To Wait Till I Am Almost 21 To Do All Of That!! Not Cool!!
    jbf_la's Avatar
    jbf_la Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Aug 26, 2009, 10:32 PM
    What happened with this? I'm in the same boat. My court date is this Friday, and I'm going to get the proof of correction tomorrow. I don't understand how they can charge a $800 fee for a dead light bulb. And on the la superior court website, it says you need to get a certificate of correction from a light and brake inspection center before you go to CHP? Is that true? Arrrgh.
    N0help4u's Avatar
    N0help4u Posts: 19,823, Reputation: 2035
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    #9

    Aug 26, 2009, 10:52 PM

    I would plead not guilty so the Judge hears your case and sees your proof and maybe it will be reduced or forgiven.
    If you plead guilty then it is just a matter of paying the fine, No questions asked.
    So with pleading not guilty you may have a chance. Pleading not guilty all you will get is 'pay the fine'
    beardedsk8er's Avatar
    beardedsk8er Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #10

    Aug 27, 2009, 12:39 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by jbf_la View Post
    What happened with this? I'm in the same boat. my court date is this friday, and I'm going to get the proof of correction tomorrow. I don't understand how they can charge a $800 fee for a dead light bulb. and on the la superior court website, it says you need to get a certificate of correction from a light and brake inspection center before you go to CHP? Is that true? arrrgh.
    You do have to go to an authorized CHP inspection station, to get your inspection, though it didn't seem to matter. I stood in line, in court, behind a whole group of people with fix-it-tickets. Some got their inspection beforehand and some didn't. The judge fined them the same amount when they pled guilty, regardless.

    I pled guilty myself as I saw the judge fining people who pled guilty about $180.00 and people who pled innocent about $800.00 and they had to make another court date and plead their case (with no guarantee of anything).

    I just bit the bullet and paid the $180.00.
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