Ohio Legal Question

[RHNewfie]

Hey Folks,

Hoping someone here might be able to point me in a good direct. Long story short, I forgot about a speeding ticket I got in Ohio last month. Court date came and passed and then I get a letter in the mail stating that there is this fun warrant for my arrest after which I will have to post $1000 bond and then pay the fine... I called the court office and explained the situation, they were less than helpful. Indicated that I would have to go down there and they will put me in front of the judge etc (seems like a terrible waste of time and money). They also indicated that I could potentially send a letter to the judge and explain the situation to see what he might do.

Oh, and I am Canadian.

Any thoughts?

Oh, I fully admit that this was my fault and careless. I simply want to find the most efficient way to handle it.

Thanks!

[nutcracker]

Lawyer-up Jeff. There are a few small companies who do this kind of thing all the time. There must be something in your area. Be cheaper than going down there.

[shilala]

Jeff, I'd suggest paying the initial fine asap.
Odds are they'll lift the warrant. They just want their money.
In my experience, they're far less than hardcore about tickets around here. Most departments have exactly one woman who takes care of everything, and they're usually way behind.
You'll need to pay that fine anyways, so try the "first things first" approach and see what happens.

[RHNewfie]

I considered filling out the ticket back and then sending in the payment and see what happens.

[shilala]

They'll be shocked, brother.
And you owe them, anyways. Right?

[RHNewfie]

Oh absolutely, no doubt that I owe. I have to send a US money order and I fear that it wouldn't get cashed.

[AdamJoshua]

I had one of those fun little things in my name, a long with a suspended license (that i wasn't aware of until I tried to get a Cali license), I called the city clerk and after 5 more phone calls basically all I had to do was pay 150 bucks in fines and I was all set, they told me I had to show up as well but when I said I was in California they just took my money and told me to piss off, everything was set, like people have said they really just want their money.

[Porch Dweller]

Originally Posted by RHNewfie

I considered filling out the ticket back and then sending in the payment and see what happens.

This.

[elderboy02]

Where in Ohio did you get the ticket?

[RHNewfie]

Originally Posted by elderboy02

Where in Ohio did you get the ticket?

Delaware (municipalcourt dot org)

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by RHNewfie

Delaware (municipalcourt dot org)

I'm not familiar with that part. I would write a letter to the judge and see what he says.

[hotreds]

It's Columbus, basically.

[shilala]

Originally Posted by RHNewfie

Oh absolutely, no doubt that I owe. I have to send a US money order and I fear that it wouldn't get cashed.

I think you underestimate how much we like money down here.
I see what you mean, as far as being out the money if they don't cash it.
I'd expect to wait at least a couple months before they do cash it. They really do have a huge backlog.
I can't imagine them not cashing it. It'd just be plain silly if they didn't, and that's not the way they fly.
The judgement and warrant are just to get you to pay the fine. Once they have the fine in hand, you can check up on the warrant and get it removed.
I've never had to pay extra monies or stand in front of a judge because of a warrant, but I did get dragged in once. Paid the bill and they sent me home.

[AdamJoshua]

I'm surprised they wouldn't take a credit card over the phone, MA did, you might want to call the court clerk and ask who you can call about making a payment, most states will take plastic over the phone.

[RHNewfie]

Originally Posted by AdamJoshua

I'm surprised they wouldn't take a credit card over the phone, MA did, you might want to call the court clerk and ask who you can call about making a payment, most states will take plastic over the phone.

I did, they said that they don't take payments over the phone.

[IBQTEE1]

Make sure you throw in there that you are a Man of the Cloth. Might help your cause I little bit. Cause you know you are from Canada. I kid I kid.

[357]

Jeff, if you end up having to cross the border, let me know. I'd love to meet up for a cigar or something if you pass this way.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by RHNewfie

I did, they said that they don't take payments over the phone.

No way to pay it over the internet? You can try looking in the county courts page and see if there is a link to a page where you put in your citation number and it tells you how much you owe can enter your credit card info.

[mosesbotbol]

You must pay the fine first.

[shark]

I got busted years ago in North Carolina for doing 75 in a 55. Had to follow the police officer, who had my license and registration already, to the county courthouse where I was informed that I was under arrest for reckless driving. Luckily my AAA membership covered the bail. I was given a mandatory court appearance, but had a lawyer appear on my behalf. He had the charge busted down to improper equipment....But the fines and everything remained the same, of course!