Help with TBD procedure

[Christos Adam]

Hey guys, I would really appreciate if someone can help me out a bit with the procedure of Trial By Declaration (TBD) to fight a traffic ticket.

Here is my case:
-> I got the ticket in June
-> then I postponed it until September
-> and then I selected to go to court (no option for trial by declaration).
->...now my court day is the end of month (31 of May)

Here is my problem
I want to send the TBD form (TR-205) but one of the most important requirements is to pay your bail.
9 months later I really don't remember if I have already paid my bail or not.
When I go to their system for my case it shows:
Last action: Arraignment
New appearance Date: 05/31/2011

Based on the status of this citation you are eligible for the following online transaction:
- Traffic School Payment - The amount due is $395 plus a e-Public Access service fee...

It doesn't show bail amount or amount for the ticket only for traffic school.

Yes, I did try to talk to them but there is absolutely no way to speak to a person - spent more than 1 hour going through the automated system (I know that is so nice of them).

Do you know if the fact that I have a court day means that I already have paid the bail?
Should I sent them a check of $395 to be on the safe side? Then again what if I have already paid?

[KJ Christopher]

Can you check your bank statements.

[Christos Adam]

Can you check your bank statements.

I wasn't able to find anything in my bank statements...
I guess I can just send them a check.

[George Schilling]

Can you check your bank statements.

I wasn't able to find anything in my bank statements...
I guess I can just send them a check.

<On Soapbox> The way it works is this Christos..........PAY THE BILL AND SHUT UP! I've noticed it's getting harder and harder to navigate the morass we call government. These folks are no longer "public servants" but rather an elite class who no longer answers to us. Many cities have taken TBD off the table insofar as they have hidden that option from view and are no longer providing forms online. "If you don't know about it, we're not telling". Lately, my experience with TBD is it is only good as a stall tactic. I believe judges are just rubber stamping guilty on the forms despite strong legal arguments. I've been temped to subpena the paperwork from some TBD's I've been involved with just to see if a reasonable response exists, but I'm too lazy. Did I mention my disdain for government? <Off Soapbox>

By the amount you say you owe, I'd say you haven't paid bail.

Good luck in your quest Christos. Fighting a ticket these days is not for the faint of heart.

[Christos Adam]

Can you check your bank statements.

I wasn't able to find anything in my bank statements...
I guess I can just send them a check.

<On Soapbox> The way it works is this Christos..........PAY THE BILL AND SHUT UP! I've noticed it's getting harder and harder to navigate the morass we call government. These folks are no longer "public servants" but rather an elite class who no longer answers to us. Many cities have taken TBD off the table insofar as they have hidden that option from view and are no longer providing forms online. "If you don't know about it, we're not telling". Lately, my experience with TBD is it is only good as a stall tactic. I believe judges are just rubber stamping guilty on the forms despite strong legal arguments. I've been temped to subpena the paperwork from some TBD's I've been involved with just to see if a reasonable response exists, but I'm too lazy. Did I mention my disdain for government? <Off Soapbox>

By the amount you say you owe, I'd say you haven't paid bail.

Good luck in your quest Christos. Fighting a ticket these days is not for the faint of heart.

Thank you for your support George...
I think I might just go there tomorrow morning, stay in the line and talk to the clerk.
I truly feel that the police officer didn't not follow any rules when he was trying to pace me so I want to give it a try.
I also hated his arrogant behavior so I want to fight this to the point that I prefer to give $800 to a lawyer than $400 to the agency where he works.

[Rick Brown]

http://www.helpigotaticket.com/tut/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Christos Adam]

Thanks Rick!

My girlfriend called and she managed to get to the court and then to the traffic division - my bail was $331 and they said that as long as they receive my papers 3 days before the trial we are good.
I just mailed (signature required) all the necessary documents today... crossing my fingers }:)