What happens if I cannot pay for the open container ticket right away? 7 Answers as of December 01, 2011
I got a ticket for an open container on a University Campus. No sobriety test was given and I was allowed to get to class. Can I request a hearing? If so, do I have to pay the fine first? What if I cannot pay at the time, can I arrange to make payments? I do not know the amount. I still have my CADL and my truck.Free Case Evaluation by a Local Lawyer!
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Law Office of Thomas F. Mueller | Thomas Mueller
You have the right to a trial. You will need to go to court on the date on the Cite. If you can't pay the fine right away the judge will give you time to pay. You may be able to avoid a conviction by agreeing to go to an alcohol awareness class.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/1/2011
Law Offices of James A Bates | James A Bates
Go to court as scheduled. Have the public defender review the police report to see if you were properly detained. Try to have the case reduced to a different charge like disturbing the peace. If you plead guilty to the open container and you are under 21 you will lose your driving privileges for a year.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/30/2011
Law Office of Daniel K Martin | Daniel K Martin
Most jurisdictions require that you pay the ticket amount before you can see a judge. You can usually get an extension on the ticket so that may allow you to come up with the money before you ask them to put it on calendar.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/30/2011
The Law Offices of Robert L. Driessen | Robert L. Driessen
You can make payments of the fine after you plead guilty. However understand that if you plead guilty to this charge and you are under 21 you will lose your license for a year. I would contact a local attorney as many times they are able to have the charge altered so you do not lose your license.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/30/2011
Law Office of Eric Sterkenburg | Eric Sterkenburg
If you are charged with an open container on a campus this is an infraction or a misdemeanor. You can have a hearing on both. If you are judged guilty and cannot pay the fine at that time the judge will ask you how much time do you need to pay it. If the officer that issued you the citation did not keep evidence of the contents of the container there is a problem showing you were in violation.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/30/2011
The Law Offices of Gabriel Dorman | Gabriel Dorman
In general, if you cannot pay a fine, the court will give you a longer period to pay it and/or allow you to set up a payment plan. You may also be able to do community service in lieu of paying the fine as well. You should beware that if you are under the age of 21, a conviction for an open container ticket will result in a 1 year suspension of your driver's license. As such, you should not plead guilty to this charge if you were under 21 when you received the citation.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/30/2011
Thomas C. Brandstrader Attorney At Law | Thomas C. Brandstrader
I am not sure what campus you are talking about but if you request a hearing you do not pay the fine until an adverse decision at said hearing.
Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 11/30/2011
