A failure to appear/failure to pay (FTA/FTP) for a traffic ticket in Lamont, Kern County, CA, can lead to serious consequences.
Even if it’s your first offense, ignoring the ticket may result in a guilty verdict in absentia, a bench warrant for your arrest, license suspension, an inability to renew your registration at the DMV, or worse—a misdemeanor arrest.
What Is an FTA/FTP for a Traffic Ticket?
When someone signs a traffic ticket, they’re promising the State of California to resolve the ticket before the specified date or appear in court.
That signature is your legal agreement. Forgetting your court date—or claiming you never got a reminder—is not a valid defense.
Yes, counties must send reminders. But it’s still your responsibility to follow up. “I never got a notice” won’t help you in traffic court.
Most drivers don’t realize a judge can issue a bench warrant for a missed appearance. This is especially risky if you get pulled over again.
That traffic stop could lead to your arrest and booking. You might not be released until you post bail.
You could also be charged with driving on a suspended license if the DMV was instructed to suspend it after the FTA/FTP. That’s another misdemeanor charge you don’t want.
Call Bigger & Harman today, and we’ll begin working on clearing your FTA/FTP.
Penalties for FTA/FTP Are Costly
A judge may find you guilty in your absence. That could mean the fine stands—and then some.
They can add a total of $600 in civil assessments over time under Penal Code 1214.1, Civil Assessments. However, new laws in California make it easier for traffic attorneys to get these assessments removed.
You might also face:
License suspension.
A bench warrant for your arrest.
A block on your vehicle registration renewal.
Referral to collections and credit reporting agencies.
These penalties stack up quickly, even for a single missed court date. That’s why it’s so important to act fast.
Get Help from Bigger & Harman’s Kern County Traffic Trial Attorneys
It’s possible to clear an FTA/FTP for a traffic ticket, but don’t go it alone. We’ve helped many drivers in Lamont in Kern County, Central Valley, and across California handle these complex cases.
Bigger & Harman’s Kern County traffic trial attorneys know how to clear FTA/FTP issues, request the removal of bench warrants, and reinstate your license. Our team can resolve the ticket itself, regardless of when you received it—often without you ever stepping foot in court.
If you still need more information, read I Received an FTA Notice for a Red-Light Ticket I Never Got.
We offer a free consultation. Call or email us today to find out your options.
Consult Bigger & Harman, the Kern County FTA/FTP Lawyers for Lamont, CA
If you have an FTA/FTP for a traffic ticket in Lamont Courthouse in Kern County, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español 349-9755. A short call to our office could get the process started immediately.
Use our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CA VC Section 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear.
Penal Code 1214.1, Civil Assessments.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.