What should I do if I can’t afford to pay for a traffic ticket?

If you cannot afford to pay for a traffic ticket in Illinois, you should contact the clerk of court at the county where you received your citation. You may request to appear in court to explain why you cannot afford to pay and to request a court-appointed attorney. Furthermore, if the court determines that you cannot afford to pay the citation, it may waive or reduce the fine, or enter an installment plan that allows you to pay the fine in manageable increments. It is important to remember that failing to pay a traffic ticket can have serious consequences. The court may suspend your driver’s license and put a hold on your vehicle registration if you fail to make necessary payments. They may even issue a warrant for your arrest or have the state police place a GPS ankle monitor on you. Therefore, it is important to always keep communication open with the clerk of court. Additionally, as a last resort, you may seek assistance from a legal aid organization or a pro bono lawyer. These organizations can provide legal assistance to people who are unable to pay for a traffic ticket. They may also assist in negotiating with the court in order for you to pay a lesser amount or set up an installment plan.

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