California changes rules on traffic ticket fines

[alp227]

Source: San Jose Mercury News

California drivers can now appear in court to challenge their traffic tickets without paying a fine first, under a new rule adopted unanimously by the state's Judicial Council on Monday.

"The system is broken," said Christine Sun, associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. "It has become clear that we are funding our judicial system through unfair fines and fees that act as a hidden tax on poor people -- who may not be able to afford contesting their citation -- and people of color, who are disproportionately pulled over and cited. This has to stop, and we're pleased that the Judicial Council is taking action."

Supporters say the change is a good first step, but still leaves millions of low-income California drivers in the lurch if they miss their initial court date for any reason. Sun said she hopes the Judicial Council continues looking into the practices of local courts that harm low income people and communities of color.

Traffic courts in some counties -- including Del Norte, Fresno, Mendocino, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Tulare, Madera, and Shasta -- have required drivers who receive traffic tickets to pay fines before they can appear in court to contest the tickets. Civil rights groups argued that making people pay for their day in court violates constitutional due process.

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_28277488/california-changes-rules-traffic-ticket-fines

[msongs]

1. police extortion racket for sure nt

[alboe]

2. YES

This is a great decision.

[cui bono]

3. They should also lower the late fees.

A ticket can more than quadruple in cost if not paid in a timely manner. More trouble for the poor people who can't afford the original charge and then have to pay an enormous amount in order to register their vehicle.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Jojn Oliver's show was very very timely, indeed. n/t

[brett_jv]

5. What my sig says!!!

[fingrin]

6. Welcome

to the 21st century America. The really real free world welcomes you!

[NV Whino]

7. There's an extra charge if you choose to go to traffic school, too.

Traffic school itself costs $14 to $45. But you pay the court an additional $80 bucks or so for the privilege of keeping the citation off your record. That's in addition to the original fine.

It's nothing more than extortion.

[cosmicone]

8. Simple solution

Don't let local cities and counties get a piece of the action and put all the fines into the general fund.

At present, local cops and sheriffs get 28-80% of the fines and fees which is a HUGE conflict of interest.

Donut fund low? Let's go give out a bunch of tickets !!

[MADem]

9. I challenged and beat a ticket...but still had to prepay a 25 buck

fee to go to court. Didn't get that back, either.

The cops should have to pay, not me!

[Tempest]

10. All but one of those counties have something in common

They're run by Republicans and are highly conservative.