Motorist Has $11K in Unpaid Traffic Fines
By: Mario Boone
Updated: August 13, 2009
Rowton has been arrested at least 18 times for driving with a suspended license. He has 3 DWI's and countless other traffic offenses on his record. Rowton's rap sheet resembles a small book report.
Court officials say while Rowton's case is extreme, he's not the only violator racking up huge amounts in unpaid fines. Adam Hall owes more the $4,000 in unpaid fines. Judge Wren Autrey of Miller County District Court says there are thousands of people who collectively owes hundreds of thousands in traffic fines. Autrey says many violators simply can't pay.
In those cases court staff try to come up with alternatives to fines such as community service and possibly even jail time. Autrey says traffic fines don't just go away with time. If you fail to show up for court or fail to pay your license will be suspended and a warrant for your arrest issued.
Autrey says a simple $25 seatbelt ticket could turn into a thousand dollar ordeal if the violator ignores the problem. An automatic $350 fee is added to the initial fine for a person who doesn't pay or fails to show for court. Officer Kristi Mitchell with TAPD says it's best to "just pay your fines."
Rowton and Hall are both in the Miller County Jail on new traffic charges.
