Missed trial date, Warrant for my arrest?

[Pixie22]

lol So I finally have enough to pay my fine which was total bs anyway. Driving in emergency lane on the off ramp cause my car was overheating and out of water..
Anyway, R500 fine. Missed the trial date, didn't have time anyway, I got a life and a job. Then I went to go pay it. They say its too late. Probably a warrant out for my arrest. The fine was handed to me personally. Therefore no need for a summons or any kind of reminder, as if I won't forget =P
So I guess I need to go to the court and sit and waste my time as opposed to getting my job done. Comes at a wonderful time where im already working 12 - 14 hours a day to keep on top of things. Anyone have any experience with this? Will they make me wait there a few days because I didn't show up at my first trial? Am I supposed to sit there for a slot to open? Or will they give me a new trial date where I can just show up on the day? My employers need to know what to expect.
How much do they usually fine for contempt of court? and what happens if you cannot pay it on the spot? Is it normal to arrange a month by month pay back?

Thanks

[Kule]

No it is not normal to arrange it. Get he summons, take it to the prosecutor and have him reduce it. Contemp was R150 i think it went up by a bit.

[Pixie22]

And Do I need a new trial? Or could I simply talk to the prosecutor, pay the fines and get outa there?

Thanks

[Kule]

And Do I need a new trial? Or could I simply talk to the prosecutor, pay the fines and get outa there?

Thanks

Simply talk to the prosecutor, tell him/her you cant afford it. He will reduce it then and there and point you in the direction of the cashiers office.

Pay, and thats it.

[The_Librarian]

Simply talk to the prosecutor, tell him/her you cant afford it. He will reduce it then and there and point you in the direction of the cashiers office.

Pay, and thats it.

And do it.

Just do it.

It's not fun sitting in prison.

[Pixie22]

Ok thanks

I shall do so. I was just worried that I could be stuck there for days away from work, being pushed aside for more important cases. Some other people telling me weird things, But perhaps they were trying to fight the charges. I am not, I would just like to pay and get it sorted out =P

[rpm]

Agree with the advice - this is not a big deal, but you don’t want to be arrested and wait in the holding cells for your turn in court. Just take the issue to the prosecutor and tell them what happened – they will reduce it.

[Kule]

@ Pixie - be sure to ask the prosector for a reduction. Say you cannot afford it. If you dont ask, they wont reduce it.

It really is not a big deal, they reduce fines everday.

[MrG]

I dont understand why he must pay anything. Are you not allowed to use the Emergency lane for something like engine overheating and needing to get it repaired asap?

[kaspaas]

Missing a trial date is a very bad thing to do.

Next time you have to explain ye who is already yourself to a magistrate who is already upset.

Better to pay the fine, make a deal etc etc. insuch a case.

Anyway, the officers of injustice has fine tuned the scheme of legalised extortion. They balanced the fines very well against the schlepp and costs of actually appearing before a magistrate (or a judge). They know 99% of all people will rather pay a fine in 30 minutes taht wait for hours for the opportunity to state their cases to a magistrate. Anyway, the legal costs will be more than the fine.

[lilGr]

I dont understand why he must pay anything. Are you not allowed to use the Emergency lane for something like engine overheating and needing to get it repaired asap?

Thats what I presumed or do they want you to break down in the middle of the highway or road and let other people crash into you.. doesn't seem to smart imo.