Don't Lose Your Driver's License Over Unpaid Court Costs And Fines

307 West Rio Road | Charlottesville, Virginia 22901

Call For Consultation 434-973-7474

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leila B. Higgins-Fleishman, Esq.

Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C.

307 West Rio Road Charlottesville, VA 22901

434-973-7474

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