In September, I received a violation from the Daytona Shores Police Department for failing to come to a complete stop at a red light before making a right hand turn. The amount was $188.50. I had not received a citation in years, so I was more than willing to just take the class so points would not be assessed.
A few days later, I received a flyer from The Ticket Clinic urging me not to pay the fine, instead hire them to represent me in court. The flyer stated in bold print, "Our goal is to get your case dismissed!"
I decided to call them to ask a few questions and get some information. The lady on the phone told me everything under the sun to get me to send the money. I was told that I would not have to attend any classes if I had not received a ticket in the past few years. I was also told that if I was assessed an additional fine, that it would only be an additional $100.
After thinking a little about it, I decided to take them up on their offer. I figured if my worst case scenario was an additional $100 along with the $175 for their services, that it wouldn't be too bad and I wouldn't have to take the driving class.
Less than 48 hours before my court hearing, I receive a letter from The Ticket Clinic. It is a retainer agreement that I must sign in order for them to represent me. The only highlighted portion of the contract was the line that read that no previous claims have been made by anyone about the outcome of the case. Right there and then, I had a bad feeling.
I called to get this clarified and got the run-around. I really had no option. If I decided last minute not to sign the agreement and defend myself, I would still lose the $175 I had already paid. Not to mention, that it was a three hour drive from my home. I signed the agreement and hoped for the best.
A few weeks later, I get a congratulations letter from the firm. I now have to pay $256 for the fine AND take the driving course. I called the firm a few days later after I had time to think this over. They were rude and offered my no insight into how my case went. Keep in mind, I could have just paid the initial fine and taken the class, and still have no points.instead, I had to pay The Ticket Clinic $175, the courts $256, and then the driving class, another $40.
I feel as if this company's only goal is to collect your money. I tried to let someone in the office know that they should not let their receptionist promise customers a happy ending, then force a contract on them stating otherwise. This is very misleading and really puts average Joe's like myself on the losing end no matter what happens.
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