Speeding Ticket- Payment received but rejected, now in collections (Harrisburg: bankrupt, costs)

[crackinthekraken]

I received a speeding ticket in Saline County (Harrisburg) and promptly paid the $140 required by check. So imagine my surprise when, 8 months later, I receive a notice from a collections agency for $535.

I have since called the Court, and they informed me that while they received my payment, they do not accept personal checks. Fast forward through a few missed notifications to addresses where I do not receive mail, and now we're looking at about $400 in court costs sent to a collections agency.

Do you guys have any advice on how to deal with this? Of course, I would rather pay $140 than $535, but most of all I want to pay the Court directly instead of going through a collections agency.

[damba]

Originally Posted by crackinthekraken

I received a speeding ticket in Saline County (Harrisburg) and promptly paid the $140 required by check. So imagine my surprise when, 8 months later, I receive a notice from a collections agency for $535.

I have since called the Court, and they informed me that while they received my payment, they do not accept personal checks. Fast forward through a few missed notifications to addresses where I do not receive mail, and now we're looking at about $400 in court costs sent to a collections agency.

Do you guys have any advice on how to deal with this? Of course, I would rather pay $140 than $535, but most of all I want to pay the Court directly instead of going through a collections agency.

You are unfortunately SOL because you did not follow payment instructions.

[BaptistFundie]

Is this typical of Illinois? A ticket requires a payment method other than personal check?

[Nodpete]

Should have made it out to the Judge, he/she would have cashed it for personal use and threw the ticket out. Nothing is done honestly in IL. Can't wait until this State goes bankrupt !!!

[lepoisson]

Originally Posted by BaptistFundie

Is this typical of Illinois? A ticket requires a payment method other than personal check?

It can be. I got a ticket a few years ago in NC and payment was by money order or cash only. I guess they got tired of dealing with returned checks.

[damba]

Originally Posted by BaptistFundie

Is this typical of Illinois? A ticket requires a payment method other than personal check?

Yes, basic literacy is typically required LOL.

[Caglee]

Wouldn't you have known something was wrong when you discovered that the check was never cashed? The officer should have given you an envelope with payment instructions along with the citation.