Legal Question in DUI Law in California
No DL number, mispelled last name, different address
I just recieved a nontraffic citation for
an open container at a bonfire in
Newport Beach. I did not have my ID
on me, so I could not give a Driver's
License number. I am still only 20 so
the officer said if I try to contest they
will probably add a Minor in
Possession charge. My last name is
mispelled, no DL# SSN or any other
identifying number, and I just moved
to a different address that has no
prior link to my name. Can I just
ignore this ticket without it being
traced to me?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: No DL number, mispelled last name, different address
Hmm. Very interesting situation. If you don't appear in court, they issue a warrant for your arrest, misspelled name and all. What you overlook is that your old address, (which you apparently did give correctly) is linked to your correct name, date of birth, etc in the DMV database. Sooner or later, they could connect the dots.
Then you will have parlayed a minor infraction into a misdemeanor failure to appear, a misdemeanor MIP (Minor in Possession) and have two real life, bona fide criminal convictions.
Conviction of even an infraction these days is a significant problem for career, scholarships, reputation, employment, etc. If you go to court you might be able to handle the case without getting any conviction. You might want to think long and hard about this, because being a very young guy, you'll likely have 70 years to regret a wrong choice.
I know what you're thinking. And the question you have to ask your self is "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do you?
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