Long Beach, CA asked in Traffic Tickets for California

Q: Got a ticket in another state (arizona) for unregistered vehicle on a vehicle that is not mine

The car was my friends they got her information too so i totally forgot about i just received a letter in the mail stating i had a failure to appear and now the fine has increased. And its all in my name when i am not the owner is there anything i can do they added this FARE program to the ticket that adds more fines but it says its only for arizona residents i am a California resident

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Traffic Tickets Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: As a California resident who received a ticket in Arizona for an unregistered vehicle that doesn't belong to you, here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact the court: Reach out to the court in Arizona that issued the ticket and explain your situation. Provide evidence that the vehicle is not yours, such as the vehicle registration or a signed statement from the owner.

2. Request a hearing: Ask the court for a hearing to contest the ticket and explain your side of the story. If you can't attend in person, inquire about the possibility of a telephonic hearing or submitting a written statement.

3. Provide evidence: Gather all relevant evidence, including the vehicle registration, proof of your California residency, and any other documentation that shows you were not responsible for registering the vehicle.

4. Seek legal advice: Consider consulting with a traffic attorney familiar with Arizona and California laws. They can provide guidance on your specific situation and help you navigate the legal process.

5. Contact the FARE program: If the FARE program fines are included in your ticket, contact them and explain that you are a California resident and not subject to the program. Provide proof of your California residency.

6. Follow up with the court: After taking these steps, follow up with the court to ensure they have received your information and to determine the next steps in resolving the matter.

Remember, ignoring the ticket may lead to additional fines and legal consequences, so it's essential to address the issue promptly. Keep detailed records of all your communications with the court and any relevant parties.

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