What's it for, Tommyrot, if you don't mind saying. Is this traffic court? I wouldn't worry too much in that case.

Yeah. I was driving with a suspended license (because I failed to pay a speeding ticket in Utah). I didn't know my license was suspended, as I never got anything in the mail telling me. That, howerver, was my fault, as I had not updated my license info when I moved. So there's several levels of naughtiness going on here....

Yeah, I thought that was probably it. Dress nice, speak politely, you'll be fine. Traffic court they're mostly interested in moving you on your way asap.

Assuming you've gotten it unsuspended since, that is. If you get a chance to speak, just say what you said - I was unaware, yadda yadda, I've corrected the problem.

I had to go to traffic court in Waukegan a few years back when I had missed the deadline to renew my registration (I had the paperwork in my purse, but hadn't taken the time to stop by the currency exchange to get the sticker). The cop was really nice (and really cute--looked like a shorter and younger Peter Gallagher!) and told me not to pay the $75 ticket, but go to traffic court and contest it, since the judge would probably give me a break. Sure enough, he halved the fine to $36 since I had gotten the sticker in the two months after the ticket.

How early should I show up at court?

Cool. Insent.

Cute Nonian doggies. Also, I had to click on the picture of the apple, because I have to ask, are they good? I've seen similar ones and been tempted to get them for people (I am, of course, a subset of "people").

May your time in court go smoothly, tommy.

Court is a formal occasion, Tommy. They're looking to see that you're cognizant of your transgression, et cetera, and that you're sincere about not doing it again. Therefore: interview suit, hair combed nicely, sober mien, "Your Honor" and "Sir" and "Ma'am" as appropriate. You want them to perceive you as a Good Guy Who Screwed Up rather than a Reprobate. Sometimes they will reduce the fine if they think you're sincere -- obviously, being sincere helps, but sincere in a good suit won't hurt.

Thanks for all the support and advice....

Hmmm.... I wonder if the courtroom has WiFi?

Huge, rambly, nonsensical, yet perhaps helpful e sent backatcha!

Thanks everybody. I'm very happy to have roof over our heads, even though, ironically, the family home has never been the home of my dreams (except of course in the sense that many of my dreams have taken place in it).

I like to call the Frankie-sib William, but I have no idea why. It's certainly not actively encouraged by the mother.

I promise he won't be named William, or any variant thereof.