Can I go to jail for not paying a traffic ticket?

In California, not paying a traffic ticket does not typically result in jail time. It is usually considered a civil infraction and is handled by the court system. Depending on the severity of the infraction and if you have had multiple tickets within a certain time period, more severe penalties may be imposed. You will be required to appear in court and the judge may fine, suspend, or revoke your license or issue a bench warrant for your arrest. If that happens, you may be taken into custody and could then face jail time. If you are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license, or involved in an accident with serious personal injury or death, jail time may be a possibility. In these cases a judge may also suspend your license or revoke it entirely. In most cases, however, the court will offer alternatives to jail such as attending traffic school, paying the fine plus court costs, or participating in a work program. If you fail to comply with the court-ordered alternative, then jail time may follow. If you are ever facing any traffic ticket related charges, you should always exercise your right to speak to a qualified attorney to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.

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Can I go to jail for not paying a traffic ticket?

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