QUESTION
Can I write a letter to the judge asking for a dismissal if I've already paid the fine in full over the phone?
Asked on Nov 16th, 2014 on Criminal Law - Utah
More details to this question:
In 2010 while I was at work, I got pulled over and received a possession charge for some marijuana that had been left in my car by a coworker. At the time, I didn't even use marijuana and had no idea that it was in there. I agreed to take the charge because he said he would pay the fine, but I received a letter from the county a few weeks ago telling me I had a delinquent balance and that I needed to come to court. I cannot drive out to another state for a court date.
1 ANSWER
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Randy M. Lish, Attorney at Law
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There is already a conviction on your record. You can pay the fine, and explain in a letter to the judge why you cannot attend the hearing. That should avoid a warrant being issued, if the letter and fine payment are sent before the court date. A lesson: NEVER plead guilty to a criminal matter just the real guilty party agrees to pay the fine. The ramifications are much greater than just the fine. You now have a conviction on your record. You have to deal with that. You may have a suspended driver's license, and may have to deal with that.
Answered on Nov 18th, 2014 at 1:06 PM