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Criminal Record?

  • 02-10-2014 7:29pm
    #1
    El Weirdo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,647 ✭✭✭✭


    Several years ago I received a phone call from a Garda informing me that there was a warrant out for my arrest.

    He proceeds to inform me that I had got a ticket for not displaying a motor tax disc. The notification of the fine went to an old address, as did the summons for non payment of the fine and I was convicted in absentia and sentenced to 4 days in prison.

    Anyway, I asked what should I do and the Garda said that I could pay the fine, fight the case or do the 4 days. Needless to say I paid the fine.

    My question is: Do I have a criminal record or did paying the fine (albeit late) clear me?


Comments

  • #2
    Pat Mustard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,554 ✭✭✭Pat Mustard


    If a judge imposed the fine, then that's technically a criminal record. Technically.

    If it's for non display of disc, I wouldn't worry about it in the slightest.


  • #3
    El Weirdo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,647 ✭✭✭✭El Weirdo


    The Mustard wrote: »
    If a judge imposed the fine, then that's technically a criminal record. Technically.

    If it's for non display of disc, I wouldn't worry about it in the slightest.
    But is the conviction not for non payment of the fine?


  • #4
    johnnyskeleton
    Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 14,552 Mod ✭✭✭✭johnnyskeleton


    El Weirdo wrote: »
    But is the conviction not for non payment of the fine?

    No its for non display of the insurance disc


  • #5
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,626 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    Even if you did the four days in jail, it would make no difference. The original conviction and the punishment levied (€xx fine or 4 days in default) is the same regardless of whether you pay the fine or do the time.

    I got a parking ticket a few years ago, I forgot to pay it, I got a summons, I didn't bother going to court, I got a letter saying I had been fined, I paid it over the phone. I live with that stain on my character but hey, who gives a sh1t.

    Move on, nothing to see here.


  • #6
    El Weirdo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,647 ✭✭✭✭El Weirdo


    coylemj wrote: »
    Even if you did the four days in jail, it would make no difference. The original conviction and the punishment levied (€xx fine or 4 days in default) is the same regardless of whether you pay the fine or do the time.

    I got a parking ticket a few years ago, I forgot to pay it, I got a summons, I didn't bother going to court, I got a letter saying I had been fined, I paid it over the phone. I live with that stain on my character but hey, who gives a sh1t.

    Move on, nothing to see here.
    Oh, I've certainly never lost any sleep over it. It just came up in a conversation in the pub earlier and we were wondering if I had a criminal record or not.

    Cheers all.


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  • #7
    Peregrinus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,998 ✭✭✭✭Peregrinus


    El Weirdo wrote: »
    Oh, I've certainly never lost any sleep over it. It just came up in a conversation in the pub earlier and we were wondering if I had a criminal record or not.
    You have, yes.

    I think you can capitalise on this by bigging it up. Admit to being a convict, drop the odd hints about maybe having spent time in the 'Joy, make the occasional reference to your ticket-of-leave and then clam up when asked directly about it.


  • #8
    El Weirdo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,647 ✭✭✭✭El Weirdo


    Peregrinus wrote: »
    You have, yes.

    I think you can capitalise on this by bigging it up. Admit to being a convict, drop the odd hints about maybe having spent time in the 'Joy, make the occasional reference to your ticket-of-leave and then clam up when asked directly about it.
    Full disclosure:

    I actually do this sometimes. Gives me a certain cachet in front of my mates down the pub. They're so square. :pac:


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