[shortduck]

Hello

I was driving with an expired license, I never knew that it was expired. I did not got any communication in the mail from SOS. I called SOS they said sending communication is just courtesy and not mandatory by law.

I got a ticket today and have to appear in court in next 10 days.

Can you please let me that what should I do/say when in court.



Thanks

[zthatzmanz28]

Sorry? Hard to explain this one. Beg forgiveness and write a check...

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by shortduck

Hello

I was driving with an expired license, I never knew that it was expired. I did not got any communication in the mail from SOS. I called SOS they said sending communication is just courtesy and not mandatory by law.

I got a ticket today and have to appear in court in next 10 days.

Can you please let me that what should I do/say when in court.

Thanks

You mean to avoid penalty? With the citation they are locked into the law, since "ignorance of the law is no excuse".
Saying "I didn't know" might just make them more angry and precipitate a lecture on your responsibility as a citizen.
Better to throw yourself on the mercy of the court, slap your head and say "My bad", in other words, suck up - but not too obvious. Don't ask the judge "How's the wife and kids?" (if male) or say something like "Love your robe".

[shortduck]

Was awarded 2 points, do you think saying sorry Sorry and writing check can make the judge write off the 2 point. This is my first ever ticket.

Thanks

[shortduck]

No I did not meant avoiding penalty. I know I have to pay 150.

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

You mean to avoid penalty? With the citation they are locked into the law, since "ignorance of the law is no excuse".
Saying "I didn't know" might just make them more angry and precipitate a lecture on your responsibility as a citizen.
Better to throw yourself on the mercy of the court, slap your head and say "My bad", in other words, suck up - but not too obvious. Don't ask the judge "How's the wife and kids?" (if male) or say something like "Love your robe".

[topher5150]

I never had to go to court for expired tabs

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by shortduck

Was awarded 2 points, do you think saying sorry Sorry and writing check can make the judge write off the 2 point. This is my first ever ticket.

Thanks

That could work. Say you made a bone-headed mistake. Cite your previous incident-free driving history and the hardship of points on your record which could affect insurance costs and everything else. As a citizen, you "hate to have even a small a blot on your record". Even though you forgot to renew, it shouldn't alter your safe driving record - they're different issues.
Pretty sure you're not the first to ever forget, and they probably see these cases all the time. It may be routine for them and they want to get a little money into their coffers (don't say this though).
Are you sure you must appear? If not, and you're concerned only about the points, that would be the only reason for your appearance. Now, I don't know if those points disappear at some point. I would get information from the court itself before my appearance. Ask how serious those points are and if they are permanent. They probably want to cooperate with the citizenry, and may even advise you on the best course of action. Don't know why the secretary of state couldn't advise you on this since they deal with licensing.

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by shortduck

Was awarded 2 points, do you think saying sorry Sorry and writing check can make the judge write off the 2 point. This is my first ever ticket.

Thanks

Ain't no way outta that--unless you CALL LEE FREE

[DONNIEANDDONNA417]

tell the judge you have dementia

[jackmichigan]

You're only hope is to make sure that your license is renewed by the time you go to court. Explain that it was simply an oversight, that you didn't receive a renewal notice from the state (how long had it been expired?) and simply ask if there is any way for the points to be waived. Maybe there is. Maybe not. It doesn't hurt to ask...but you need to make sure your license is current at that point.