Dear Officer Ness,
Thank you for answering questions like this. I hope you can give me some
help.
I currently have two tickets: speeding (12 mph over), and not having my
proof of insurance in the vehicle. I was taken to a precinct where an "I"
bond was written up on me, I was released, and given a court date for
later this month. The police officer said that I could not pay my fine by
mail. I am not looking forward to driving to Chicago from Grand Rapids,
Michigan.
Is there any way to avoid going to court and just pay by mail? Thank you
for your help.
Sincerely,
Charles
Mr. Flanders,
Unfortunately you are normally required to appear in court whenever 2 or more citations are issued, and especially in the case of an insurance violation. As long as you can produce proof (insurance card or policy) that you had insurance on that date, that ticket will be dismissed. However you will have to produce that proof for examination by an Assistant State's Attorney or the Judge. The speeding fine alone could have been paid by mail, and many counties even offer court supervision by mail.
That said, you could TRY contacting the State's Attorney's office in the County where the ticket was issued. For instance, if it was in Cook County, call their office and explain the situation. Ask to speak with an Assistant State's Attorney in their Traffic Division. They will be able to definitively tell you their procedures, and MAY possibly have an alternative way of handling for out-of-State drivers.
Good Luck with the situation and Thanks for writing.
Randy
Leave a comment