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Driver accepts deferral in following-too-close case; ordered to pay $175 administrative fee within 30 days
Summary
At the Jan. 21 mitigation calendar, a defendant who admitted following-too-closely chose a deferred finding to avoid a moving violation on record, agreeing to a $175 administrative fee payable within 30 days and the court’s conditions for dismissal after six months of no new infractions.
A driver identified as Lee Chang accepted a deferred finding for a following-too-closely infraction at the Lake Forest Park Municipal Court mitigation calendar on Jan. 21, 2025.
The judge explained the defendant’s options: accept a committed finding (reduced fine) or enter a deferral. Under the deferral the defendant must pay an administrative fee of $175 within 30 days and avoid any new traffic infractions for six months; if the defendant pays the fee and remains violation-free, the court will dismiss the infraction after six months. If the defendant fails to pay or incurs another moving infraction, the court will enter a committed finding and require payment of the original ticket amount in addition to the fee.
Why it matters: a deferral allows a driver to avoid a moving violation on the driving record if the conditions are met, but it carries an immediate administrative cost and the risk of reinstatement if terms are not satisfied.
Court instructions and logistics
The judge entered the deferred finding after the defendant asked for it on the record. The clerk prepared paperwork and walked it to the court lobby so the defendant present there could sign. The judge gave the defendant 30 days to pay the $175 fee or to request an interim payment plan if needed. The clerk remained available until the defendant received and signed the order.
Ending
The defendant’s record will show a deferred finding while the deferral period is active; the judge reminded the defendant that only one deferral for a moving violation is permitted every seven years.
