Missed Trial Date

Hi forum!

I have a question.

I had two tickets - Driver Fail to Use Seat Belt (240$)

and

Proceed Contrary To Sign at Intersection (No left turn 7-9am) at King and Atlantic Av.

The trial was set for March 18 2013 for 1.30pm

I have took a day off work to attend and planned to plead guilty and pay reduced amount. As simple as that.

I have failed to show up in court. The reason was stupidly simple - didn't check the address on the Notice of Trial. Went to the Civic North York Center instead of the Downtown area court.

What are my options? From what I know it's 4 days after the trial when I can call and ask for a retrial.

What reason could help me?

Thanks in advance!

I assume tomorrow is the last day to call them...

I believe you actually have 15 days to request a Justice of the Peace reopen the matter. The problem is, I'm not sure your reason for missing Court would be deemed acceptable. Typically it would either have to be an error on the Courts part (i.e. they never sent you notice) or some situation beyond your control (i.e. you were in an accident on the way to Court).

Thanks, Stanton!

It is 15 days indeed.

My reason is probably as unacceptable as it gets. It's one of those that you have heard of but never expected to pull off yourself.

Got a mail with a total of 370$ due shortly....

A lot of people in your situation will get the notice of conviction and head to the courthouse and claim they never received their notice of trial. It only works if you did not request disclosure.

Thanks, ynotp!

Went and did exactly that and have been granted retrial.