Don’t Lose Your Driver’s License Over Unpaid Court Costs And Fines│Attorney Leila Higgins-Fleishman

Unpaid Court Costs And Fines Can Result In Suspended Driver’s License:  Here’s What You Can Do About It

How You Get Court Debt

• Court debt is a combination of fines for civil or criminal violations and court costs.
• Each court determines its own costs, ranging from witness fees to administrative costs.
• While part of a fine may be suspended, courts do not suspend court costs and fees.
• You acquire the debt on the day of trial when a fine and court costs are imposed.

On the Day of a Trial

• Don’t skip out on court: even if you’re not required to be present, if you’re there, you can defend your case and possibly get the fine reduced.
• Once a fine and costs have been imposed, talk to the clerk. If you cannot pay the entire debt that day, ask the clerk for a payment plan.
• You may not have to prove your income or inability to pay. Many courts will work with you to manage payment, regardless of your income.

Before Default

• If you have trouble getting the money to repay your debt, call the court before the due date to see if you can work out a payment plan.
• Call as soon as you are aware you may have a problem. The court may require a down payment be made prior to the due date.
• Avoid default if at all possible. Failure to pay court debt will only incur more costs.

After Default

• The court will automatically suspend your privilege to drive in Virginia, and send notice to the DMV. The court will not send you notice when it suspends your license.
• If you are pulled over while driving on a suspended license in Virginia, you may face jail time and additional court debt. Do not drive while your license is suspended.
• If the court agrees to a payment plan and you pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV, you can get your license back. The reinstatement fees are available from DMV.
• You may be able to get the court to agree to issue a restricted license to allow you to drive while repaying your debt after default, without paying the reinstatement fee.

Call today for a free phone consultation if you have a suspended license.