Car impounded suspended license failure to appear photo radar (Mesa: rent, how much)

[coree511]

Last night Gilbert PD pulled me over for my license plate light being out. I was 1 street from my house on my neighborhood streets, in my pajamas because I just ran out to pick up my son. Literally a 5 minute trip.

They ran my license and found it had been suspended for failure to appear on a photo radar ticket in Mesa. I was never notified that my license had been suspended.

I ignored first mailing of ticket, but server came and left papers with my son. I didn't think this was proper service so I never followed up on it.

The Gilbert officer impounded my car and had me standing on the street for 45 minutes in my pajamas with my son while I waited! It took 3 police cars with flashing lights to do this. Talk about embarrassment and overkill.

They said I can file for early release hearing for my vehicle. That can take up to 2 days to even HEAR BACK from anyone because it's just a voice mail you reach to request hearing.

Admin fee is mandatory $150 just to get car out of impound plus towing charges and daily storage charges of $15. Looked up ticket on Mesa website & it's $270 now. There was a payment of $68...which must have been the money held from my AZ state taxes this year. (Thought it was on court fees I hadn't paid for divorce)

I am a single mom of 4, had been unemployed for 6 months, just got back to work one month ago, and only get paid once/mo (next check not for another 3 weeks), I also have been in court trying to collect $58k in child support that is owed to no avail...so I have NO money to pay any of this.

Is there ANY defense or any way to get out of all these fines? I'm sure there are more that I don't even know of yet that the court will tack on. Any help?? Please tell me there's some hope out there!

[Ponderosa]

You could argue improper service if your son is VERY young. They only have to give it to a "responsible" person not the violator. Teens would be considered responsible. You can work out payment arrangements with the court. You are going to have to pay all the towing related expenses no matter what, though.

[LBTRS]

So much for all the advice around here to ignore these photo radar tickets. I don't agree with them but would much rather pay the ticket (since I was breaking the law and speeding) then go through everything this person is going through.

[observer53]

Once you, or a person of "suitable age and discretion" (which may be younger than a teenager) at your house has been personally served, you can't ignore them. An expensive lesson to learn.

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by LBTRS

So much for all the advice around here to ignore these photo radar tickets. I don't agree with them but would much rather pay the ticket (since I was breaking the law and speeding) then go through everything this person is going through.

I got called all kinds of 'dumb' for paying mine last year but I'm sure glad I did. I would hate to have to pay a lot more than I DID since I really couldn't afford it at the time. But figured that was better than having to keep looking over my shoulder and worrying about it. I have enough gray hair already!

[azjack]

The only lesson to be learned here is to actually avoid service from the scamera folks. And be sure to remember any legislator, councilman, or other office holder who supports photo radar on Election Day.

Maybe you can find some help with the back child support.

http://www.azag.gov/children_family/cse.html

[smokemaster]

You probably make more not working than you would make working.

[AksarbeN]

Looks like doing the right thing is always the best answer. If you don’t think you deserve a ticket, tell your story to the judge and you could be on your way without any problems. Ignoring notices is not an answer when the authorities want to talk with you about an issue.

I would think that there are going to be MORE of these types of issues with photo radar and failures. The state is looking for more revenue to balance their budget and going after those who failed to appear in court or pay the fine is a good way to catch up on some needed money.

If you are owed back child support and know where the father is located, talk with Sheriff Joe’s office; they just did a big “dead beat dad” bust over the weekend. They might like to know more information on this dad.

[AksarbeN]

Originally Posted by smokemaster

You probably make more not working than you would make working.

Interesting, How much money do you think a person might get if the unemployment runs out and there is no other income? Just what benefits are there that pays the rent and puts food on the table?

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by smokemaster

You probably make more not working than you would make working.

Are you suggesting she and her kids go on welfare? Maybe she has a better sense of priority and morals than that. Maybe she doesn't want to be a 'taker'. It's always better to be independent and do your best than to milk the system. Tough? Yep but worth it in the end.

There are way too many dead beat dads out there and they are the ones who are being 'derelict in their duty'. Moms do the best they can with what they can. I know this from experience.