A local lawmaker wants to roll out the prohibition of “probation
companies” in Mono and Inyo Counties on a nationwide basis.
Several states, including Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, Florida, and Montana, refer outstanding fines in license suspension and other cases to private debt collectors. In some cases, these debt buyers are able to recommend jail time for delinquent offenders. So, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) introduced the End Debtors’ Prison Act of 2016 to end this “predatory” practice. “At best, the system is guilty of extortion, and at worst, it amounts to a modern day debtors’ prison. This is unjust, unconstitutional, and completely unacceptable,” he pontificated.
The proposal would punish states that use a probation company by not allowing them to access money from the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance fund.
NOTS Suspension
Regardless of who collects the fees, or who gets paid, the financial cost of a suspended drivers’ license is substantial. Hundreds of dollars are due to the state, and most auto insurance companies dramatically increase driver premiums when their license is suspended, especially if that suspension was for points.
As a reminder, as few as four points may lead to license suspension, and points typically remain on your license for at least five years.
When you challenge a license suspension, you have absolutely nothing to lose. The worst possible outcome is that the state will take your license, and that would have happened anyway. At the hearing, an attorney can raise a number of defenses, including:
- Time lag between points accumulation,
- Probable cause for issuing the tickets, and
- Other extenuating circumstances.
As a result, the suspension period could be reduced or even eliminated altogether. Call us today to maximize your chance for a positive result.
Getting Legal Help
The aggressive attorneys at Bigger & Harman, APC, are committed to giving individuals a voice when dealing with speeding and traffic tickets. Call today at 661-349-9300 or email attorney@markbigger.com to receive the personal professional attention you deserve. En español, llame al 661-349-9755.