[hvert]

Yesterday I went on a mini road trip to a town about two hours away from me. I stopped midway home to pick up some food in a restaurant I visit when I'm in the area.

I got pulled over by a cop. He asked to see all my documents. My car and purse are such a mess that I couldn't find them! I found a very old copy of my insurance, and last year's copy of my registration. On top of that, my inspection was one month over due.

I do have current insurance and was positive I had registered my car. I didn't know why he stopped me, but I assumed it was for the inspection. Long story short, my car registration had expired for more than five months. It's a criminal offense! I was charged with a misdemeanor and have to go to court.

I have never been in any trouble at all. I wasn't arrested, but they took my finger prints and photos (Why? They told me that in their town they register all people charged with misdemeanors?). I have to hire a lawyer. This all happened in a town that's an hour away from me, which is really inconvenient.

I know it was dumb to forget to register my car for so long, but I still can't believe it is criminal. My registration fee is under $100.

Please check your auto registration and make sure it is up to date! This is going to cost me more than my car is worth.

[kaliope]

wow, that does seem kind of harsh...I think it is just a fix it ticket here. im sorry that this has happened to you. I just got a renewal notice in my email but it isn't due until midmay so I have been putting it off. I hope things go well for you in court. take care.

[hvert]

Thank you! And I vote for registering while you are thinking of it :

Where I live, getting caught with pot is a fine but not registering your car for more than five months is a misdemeanor. A lawyer friend thinks it will get dismissed with a fine when all is said and done (and no criminal record), but, boy! Very expensive and a huge hassle!