As luck would have it for those financially challenged, the Seattle Municipal Court is now offering hearings for low-income people who cannot afford to pay their court debt for overdue infraction fines and fees. The hearing permits for an opportunity to explain a person’s financial situation and ask that their fines be reduced and/or removed from collections. Those who are eligible can sign up for a Debt Reduction Hearing by filling a form or calling (206) 684-8747.
So who is eligible? Folks who are low income and have debt from overdue parking, traffic, or camera infraction tickets in Seattle. Debt reduction hearings will be held by phone every Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The Magistrate assigned to the hearing will make a decision as to whether the applicant qualifies. The assigned Magistrate will decide if the person’s debt should be reduced and/or removed from collections. The Magistrate can also determine if a person should be put on a monthly payment plan for any remaining debt owed. A win, win for all involved. The City can collect on some debts that are owed, and those who are saddled with traffic related fines and fees can get out from under the pressure of hounding debt collectors.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a traffic charge, immediately contact a Seattle traffic attorney. A traffic lawyer is not going to judge you, and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle traffic lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their traffic citation, and many times even get them dismissed. So it should go without saying that someone cited for a traffic infraction misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Traffic Lawyer as soon as possible. Citations can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone cited with a traffic violation in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Traffic Lawyer, which SQ Attorneys fits the bill – (206) 441-0900.
