QUESTION
How can I get my license back if it is suspended for nonpayment of tickets?
Asked on Jun 01st, 2011 on Criminal Law - California
More details to this question:
My license has been suspended due to nonpayment for tickets I was not aware of till I was arrested on a warrant for driving with a suspended license. The collections agency says I must pay the full amount owed to get it back. I cannot afford to pay them the full amount and I really need my license back. Is there any low-income programs offered to help people like me?
6 ANSWERS
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Orange, CA
at
Law Office of Joe Dane
Update Your Profile
When you license gets suspended by the DMV for failure to pay fines, they won't lift the hold and the suspension until the failure to pay is cleared. Either you must pay the entire amount currently due or in some cases, a judge can (potentially) reduce the fines or covert them to community service. Either way, the failure to pay must be cleared before the DMV will release your license.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2011 at 12:50 PM
No there isn't. But, for your information, what the collection agency says has no bearing on reality; their goal is to get your money, they're not lawyers, and they have no control over what the DMV does.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Typically the DMV will not reissue the license until you have paid all the fees.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
at
Nelson & Lawless
Update Your Profile
Before you got arrested on the new charge, you could pay the tickets or go to court and try to negotiate a reduced price plea bargain. Now? Only by going to court on the new misdemeanor criminal charges, and try to negotiate a plea bargain on the new charges and the old tickets to clear them all. Then, after paying all the fines ordered, you will get a court clearance order to take to DMV. No pay, no license. If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Unfortunately no! You have to pay tickets. It is almost impossible to get these matters in front of a judge again.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving San Jose, CA
at
Maureen Furlong Baldwin
Update Your Profile
If a collection agency is involved, I dont know. In my jurisdiction, a person can sometimes put their tickets back on the traffic court calendar to either try to get fines reduced or postponed. Go to your local traffic court.
Answered on Jun 02nd, 2011 at 11:14 AM