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Failed to Pay Metro Fare citation DC
Anonymous7 views4 answers
I received a citation (yellow) for “Failed to Pay Metro Fare” in DC six years ago. It was an accident not my intention. I just simply paid the fine (mailed a check) and never heard of it again. At the time I did not know that I should hire an attorney.
I am now deeply concerned about criminal record. My questions:
1, Does paying the fine on the citation mean a guilty plea (DC)?
2, Was this charge recorded on my criminal record?
3, Does this citation mean “I got arrested”? If asked “have you ever been arrested before?”, how should I answer?
Thank you.
1) Paying the fine means you admitted guilt.
2) I don't know if this is a criminal charge or just an infraction in DC. It depends on the code section you were charged under.
3) This sounds like a ticket, not an arrest. You weren't detained by the police, or fingerprinted or photographed.
Yes, if you paid it you admitted guilt.
I don't know whether it is a criminal offense or just a non-criminal infraction. You can probably look that up. Google it.
Regarding being arrested, in Virginia the answer would likelybe yes, you were arrested and then released on your promise to appear in court - which you do by signing the summons. In Virginia, if you fail to sign the summons, you will be taken to jail. Being released on a summons is a post-arrest occurrence - but that is getting pretty technical. The question might mean arrested and taken into custody. You can always say something like, I have been given a ticket or two which I paid, but I have never taken into custody or required to apear in court. I am assuming you do not want details regarding the tickets.
Best of luck to you.
Scott Raymond SexauerFamily Law AttorneyFairfax, VA ·
Prepayment of the fine is an admission of guilt. The question is whether or not you admitted guilt for an infraction or a crime. You should consult with an attorney licensed in the District of Columbia. Or, you could go to your local police station and request a police report. The information you seek will be in the report.
In order of your questions:
1. Yes. Payment of a fine is an admission of guilt (you are, in fact, paying the fine).
2. This is a violation of a municipal order. Similar to a speeding ticket. However, this is also considered a potential CIMT.
3. No, you were not “arrested,” any more than a stop for a speeding ticket is an arrest. Generally, the term “arrest” refers to an officer seizing you and transporting you to the police station. There is such a thing as a “constructive arrest” – when the police officer won’t let you leave and detains you or restrains your liberty. However, none of that applies here. No, you have never been arrested.
