Case Dismissed in the Interest of Justice?

[rdonahue87]

I live in California and got a red light camera ticket last October. I did a trial by written declaration and lost. I then set up a trial de novo, extended it out as long as possible, and eventually decided not to show up for my court date because the court is 200 miles away and I had no real argument as to how I was not guilty.

Anyways....

I got a letter in the mail today that says the defendant (me) did not show up and the prosecution did show up. Despite that the decision rendered was case dismissed in the interest of justice.

Does this decision essentially mean I will not be charged with this violation and my insurance rates won't go up? I wasn't eligible for traffic school because I had a speeding ticket about a year prior to this incident. Furthermore, how could the case be dismissed if I didn't even show up? Finally, since the case is dismissed am I entitled to a refund of the cost of the ticket?

 

[adjusterjack]

You posted bail, you forfeited bail, they decided not come after you for Failure to Appear.

You dodged a bullet.

Now be thankful and get on with your life.

 

[Zigner]

Finally, since the case is dismissed am I entitled to a refund of the cost of the ticket?

Yes, although it will likely take some time to get it.

 

[rdonahue87]

You posted bail, you forfeited bail, they decided not come after you for Failure to Appear.

I'm not sure that you can get a failure to appear for a Trial de Novo? I already posted bail.

 

[Zigner]

I'm not sure that you can get a failure to appear for a Trial de Novo? I already posted bail.

You are correct...if you don't show, the earlier guilty verdict will stand and your bail will be forfeited to satisfy the fine. You really (REALLY) did dodge a bullet on this one and, yes, you will be getting a refund.

 

[AgentSmithers]

I live in California and got a red light camera ticket last October. I did a trial by written declaration and lost. I then set up a trial de novo, extended it out as long as possible, and eventually decided not to show up for my court date because the court is 200 miles away and I had no real argument as to how I was not guilty.

Anyways....

I got a letter in the mail today that says the defendant (me) did not show up and the prosecution did show up. Despite that the decision rendered was case dismissed in the interest of justice.

Does this decision essentially mean I will not be charged with this violation and my insurance rates won't go up? I wasn't eligible for traffic school because I had a speeding ticket about a year prior to this incident. Furthermore, how could the case be dismissed if I didn't even show up? Finally, since the case is dismissed am I entitled to a refund of the cost of the ticket?

I've noticed that depending on the court that you are brought to very specifically the judge rules differently if you don't show. I know because in the court house where I am located if both do not show up to court the case is dismissed however in the neighboring court house to that if you don't show for trial you get an FTA and am found guilty. It really depends on the judge I guess. As Zinger said, You dodged a bullet, consider yourself lucky.