What happens if I don’t answer a traffic ticket?

If you do not respond to a traffic ticket in South Dakota, it will result in a default conviction. This means that the court will enter a conviction on the charge listed on the ticket, and you will be found guilty of the offense. The penalty for a conviction on a traffic ticket can range from a fine and/or driving record points to jail time depending on the severity of the violation. Additionally, the charge will stay on your driving record for several years, making it harder to obtain car insurance at a reasonable price. Failing to answer a traffic ticket is known as “failure to appear”. If you fail to appear, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. This means that law enforcement officers can take you into custody if you are stopped for any reason. The court may also suspend your driver’s license if you fail to answer a traffic ticket. This will make it impossible for you to legally operate a motor vehicle until the matter is resolved. It is important to take traffic tickets seriously. Even if you are confident of your innocence, it is best to respond to the ticket as soon as possible and have your day in court. An attorney can help you fight the ticket if you are unable to work out a plea agreement with the prosecutor. This might result in a reduction of the charge or lesser penalties, depending on the circumstances.

Related FAQs

What are the consequences of not having proof of insurance at the time of a traffic ticket?
Can I see a copy of the traffic ticket I received?
What is an administrative hearing for a traffic ticket?
Will a traffic ticket affect my ability to obtain a job or a loan?
How long does it take to process a traffic ticket?
What are the consequences of failing to pay a traffic ticket?
Will an attorney be able to help me fight a traffic ticket?
What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket for a moving violation?
What can I do to avoid getting traffic tickets?
What is a “fix-it ticket”?

What happens if I don’t answer a traffic ticket?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts