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Asked almost 2 years ago - Sartell, MN
FlagI am really going thru a hard time right now and I got this seat belt ticket I never wear mine in case I get submerged underwater. I make to much for all the state programs I work 40 hours a week and am trying to get a part time job. I didnt make enough and I used my credit cards to cover and it built up. Lets say I make $1300 a month but my bills such as car, mortgage and my main bills equal $1200 without including gas and food. I think I spend about $55 on gas and then the rest goes on my food budget which is mostly soup and poor people food. Even a payment plan is going to hurt me I think I might not have food for a few weeks. Thats why I make such a big deal out of this. I dont have anyone I know who will loan me money. would the court agree to jail time with no fine? or waive it
A seatbelt ticket is a petty misdemeanor. A petty misdemeanor is any offense that has a maximum fine of $300 and carries no potential jail time. (i.e. Speeding Ticket, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, etc.) These offenses are not crimes. There is no right to an attorney in these cases and you cannot be appointed a Public Defender. However, having one of these offenses on your record may be harmful.
Because it is not a crime, there is no possibility of jail time. The courts are not allowed to impose jail time for petty misdemeanors.
Given your financial situation, you could discuss your situation with a hearing officer or the prosecutor. They may be lenient and reduce the fine if you can show your situation is that dire. However, I wouldn't count on it.
I would suggest you also start wearing your seatbelt. Although I disagree with the law myself, if the fine is likely to put that much strain on your financial situation, you may have to concede to the wishes of the State and wear your seatbelt.
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