Citiation Response 1 day Late - Court Forum

sortega · [**Buy Web Names**] #1 (**permalink**) 09-20-2006

I was pulled over in August 2006 and the insurance cards I had in the car were all expired. The current one was sitting on my desk at home.

The officer said he had to give me the ticket because no proof of insurance is a serious charge but that simply producing the proof to the court would reduce the fine to around $25.

I brought the ticket home and forgot about it until the 15th day at which point I sgined it and took it to the post office where it would not be postmarked until the following day (the 16th day). Now I'm beign told I'm gulity of the charge and owe $538, even though I was insured the whole time.

Do I have any recourse.
Sortega in Washington state would really appreciate advice.

aaron · [**Buy Web Names**] #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2006

I would try going to the court and petitioning the court to reopen the case. Unfortunately I don't know Washington court procedures, so I can't tell you the process.

sortega · [**Buy Web Names**] #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2006

Thank you for oyu response. My case was dismissed... here's how.

I went to the Clerk and told her my situation and she was able to get me a "Pro Se" hearing When I showed up the Judge asked me if I was insured at the time and if I was to produce the proof to the State attorney at which point they dropped the charges. $538 back down to $25 plus my record stays clean.