[jmckamey]

I got a speeding ticket about three weeks ago. I had to save the money to pay the ticket and ended up sending it March 22nd 2008. I have sent letters before in the same city and it only takes two days to get where it needs to go sometimes even less.
So, traffic court was March 25th, 2008 and I did not go because I already sent the payment for the ticket.
I get a call March 25th, stating the ticket was not paid and I was supposed to be in court.
I told them I paid the ticket, but they said they didn't get it.
I called city hall and they said they DID get the ticket and it was paid.
So, I call again, this time talking to the policeman that was in court and that had called before. (Couldn't get in touch with him the first time, called the number 2 minutes later he called from and they didn't know what I was talking about.)
This policeman tells me he has to write me another citation for failure to obey citation and says I have to be in court again. I told him that I checked with city hall and they said the ticket is paid, and that I sent the ticket off a little late but that I had to save the money to pay it. He tells me that the ticket has not been paid.
I have city hall telling me one thing and the police another. In the meantime, it seems that my fine will be doubled on the next court date even though I have already paid the ticket.
Is there anyway out of this? I checked again and city hall still says the ticket is paid.
Thanks,
Jesse

[twinkiedooter]

In the future always pay a ticket in person so you get the receipt. You will need to go and get a copy of your receipt for the original ticket and present that along with your cancelled check as proof that you paid this. Be sure to show up in court on the scheduled day with these documents and show the judge. He should dismiss the second ticket if presented with the documentation showing the ticket was paid prior to the court date. The key here is to show up in court.

[ScottGem]

Did you pay by check or money order? If so, the cancelled check (or a notice from the money order issuer) will be your proof. If you paid by cash (very foolish), ask city hall to send you a receipt.

Then go to the hearing with the proof of payment and the second citation will be dismissed.

[jmckamey]

I paid by check, Thanks folks! This eases my mind a little.

[ScottGem]

In the future always pay a ticket in person so you get the receipt.

That's ridiculous. As long as payment is made by check or money order, the cancelled check/MO will be sufficient proof. The municipality should provde a receipt upon request.