I got a DUI almost 2 years ago (under legal limit, but under 21). My fine is about $1,800 which I agreed to make $50/mo payments on. I was unemployed all of last year, and only made a few payments. I was picked up on a warrant for it once (had two bench warrants), and did 8 days jail (mainly because I was already doing 7 for the other warrant).
I made a few payments this year, then lost my job a few months ago. So I've missed about 3-4 payments. I got an order to show cause about a month ago, but didn't get the letter until last week so I missed the court day.
I called the court monday and they said it turned to warrant. This is about the 3rd order to show cause I've gotten on this charge. They said I can come into open court wednesday (tomorrow) at 3 pm. To remove the warrant I'd have to pay the fine in full, which I can't do.
This judge is very nice, and I finally found another job (Wendy's) that I start Thursday.
It would be very unfortunate for me to do jail time on this and end up losing this job I just found.
I'm also on adult probation for felony drug charges and I've been doing good. I actually have a monthly appt. with my PO at 3:30 tomorrow, which I told him I'd be late for because I have court (plus I'd rather take myself to court than obligate my PO to arrest me).
If I go to jail and miss out on this job, it would be a lose-lose situation. I'd have to wait even longer to find another job, and the court wouldn't get the money they want.
Can I explain to the judge that I haven't had a job, and I underestimated how long it would take me to find another one?
Will it help if I tell him I start a new job the next day, and I wont have anymore trouble making my payments?
Wouldn't the court rather let me start my new job so I can make my payments, rather than throw me in jail for however long?
I have $12 I am bringing with me. I know it's nothing, but it will at least show that I'm making the best effort I can.
Like I said, this judge is very nice, but he's already given me a few wrist-slaps. I don't think I'm drawing the last straw, but it is surely one of the last.
I made a few payments this year, then lost my job a few months ago. So I've missed about 3-4 payments. I got an order to show cause about a month ago, but didn't get the letter until last week so I missed the court day.
I called the court monday and they said it turned to warrant. This is about the 3rd order to show cause I've gotten on this charge. They said I can come into open court wednesday (tomorrow) at 3 pm. To remove the warrant I'd have to pay the fine in full, which I can't do.
This judge is very nice, and I finally found another job (Wendy's) that I start Thursday.
It would be very unfortunate for me to do jail time on this and end up losing this job I just found.
I'm also on adult probation for felony drug charges and I've been doing good. I actually have a monthly appt. with my PO at 3:30 tomorrow, which I told him I'd be late for because I have court (plus I'd rather take myself to court than obligate my PO to arrest me).
If I go to jail and miss out on this job, it would be a lose-lose situation. I'd have to wait even longer to find another job, and the court wouldn't get the money they want.
Can I explain to the judge that I haven't had a job, and I underestimated how long it would take me to find another one?
Will it help if I tell him I start a new job the next day, and I wont have anymore trouble making my payments?
Wouldn't the court rather let me start my new job so I can make my payments, rather than throw me in jail for however long?
I have $12 I am bringing with me. I know it's nothing, but it will at least show that I'm making the best effort I can.
Like I said, this judge is very nice, but he's already given me a few wrist-slaps. I don't think I'm drawing the last straw, but it is surely one of the last.