Missing a court date or fine payment in Tulare County can lead to a Failure to Appear/Failure to Pay (FTA/FTP) charge.
This situation can quickly escalate from a small oversight to a major legal problem. That’s where we can help.
Understanding an FTA/FTP in Tulare County
An FTA/FTP happens when a driver fails to appear in traffic court or pay their fine.
In Tulare County and indeed across California, that means the court can issue a bench warrant and notify the DMV (counties have several different ways they can legally handle your failure to act by the due date). Your license could be suspended and new penalties added.
Many drivers realize the mistake only when they’re stopped again or receive a DMV notice. If that happens, don’t panic — there are ways to fix it. However, don’t drive until the situation is cleared up, or you could further complicate it.
Why an FTA/FTP Can Be Serious
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear, makes FTA/FTP “a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the charge upon which the person was originally arrested.”
Ignoring an FTA/FTP doesn’t make it disappear. Instead, it can lead to:
- A suspended driver’s license
- Additional fines and fees
- A hold on your vehicle registration
- A potential warrant for your arrest
These consequences can follow you until resolved. That’s why acting quickly matters.
How We Can Help with an FTA/FTP
At Bigger & Harman, we’ve helped thousands of California drivers clear traffic tickets and FTA/FTP violations over the past decade.
We can often appear in court for you to resolve the old ticket and lift the warrant. We’ll also review your case to determine if the original citation can be dismissed or reduced.
Some older traffic tickets might no longer be enforceable, but take advantage of our free initial consultation to discuss your options.
On State Route 99, aka the Golden State Highway, or Hwy 65 through Tulare County, CHP officers issue many traffic tickets. If one led to your FTA/FTP, we’ll help you resolve it properly with the court.
Steps to Clear an FTA/FTP in Tulare County
If you’re dealing with an FTA/FTP, here’s what you should do:
- Contact a traffic attorney immediately.
- Do not ignore DMV or court notices.
- Avoid paying the fine or collection agents online until speaking with an attorney.
- Provide us with your ticket or citation number if you still have it.
We’ll guide you through the process to lift your suspension and reinstate your license.
Why Work with a Traffic Attorney?
Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys understand how Tulare County courts handle FTA/FTP cases.
We know the judges, the court clerks, policies, and procedures. Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your job and daily life.
Note: Beware of a new traffic ticket scam. Scammers are sending emails and text messages that you owe for a parking or traffic ticket, and if you don’t pay immediately, it will go to collections. But if you click the link to pay, it takes you to a fraudulent website.—KTLA News.
Uncertain About an FTA/FTP?
If you believe you have an unpaid traffic ticket, or you receive notice in the mail of a Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay (FTA/FTP), do not get behind the wheel and drive, particularly if you have a notice from the CA DMV that your license has been suspended. Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor offense in California.
Check the Tulare County website. If you have a traffic ticket or FTA/FTP, We can clear your FTA/FTP, dispute your ticket, and get you back to driving legally, often without you setting foot in a courtroom.
What’s more, do not pay a collection agency or even the County Court without consulting one of our traffic attorneys. When you pay the collections agency, you could be admitting guilt.
Consult Bigger & Harman About an FTA/FTP in Tulare County Traffic Court
If you’ve received a notice or warrant for an FTA/FTP, don’t face it alone, call Bigger & Harman, APC, to discuss your options and clear your record at (661) 349-9300 —se habla Español, marque 859-1177.
We’ll request a dismissal when appropriate, negotiate reduced penalties, and protect your driving privileges.
You could also arrange a consultation via email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use the secure contact form for a free consultation.
We regularly defend clients in Tulare County Traffic Court and throughout the Central Valley.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What does FTA/FTP mean in California?
A: FTA/FTP is the official acronym for Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay a traffic ticket or fine by the court deadline.
Q: Can I go to jail for an FTA/FTP?
A: It’s rare but possible if convicted of “…willfully violating their written promise to appear.” A traffic attorney can help clear it fast.
Q: How can an attorney help with an FTA/FTP?
A: An attorney can often appear in court, get the bench warrant lifted, and negotiate to reduce or dismiss penalties.
References:
CA VC Section 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
Superior Court of California, Fresno County Court – Traffic Division.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.