GC Services Complaint - Drivers licence leverage? - collections dept.

Posted by Mrs Manischewitz on 2006-06-30:

Go to court, and ask to speak to the judge then tell your story to him/her? According to a neighboor who was cited that seatbell law is like $375.00/ or you ask to pick up trash on the side of the road for a couple weekends. Good luck

Posted by dealerdirect on 2006-06-30:

You got the ticket. You did not pay the fine. You did not go to your court date to plead your case. You don't have a valid drivers license, I know, it is everybody else's fault and the world is in "cahoots" against you. The state appointed GC Services to chase your deadbeat butt down so that they state does not have to waste their time and taxpayer expense.

Posted by Stew.old on 2006-06-30:

Seat belt laws are a symbol of how far we let our liberties be stripped away. The individual is almost extinct - Socialism in all aspects of our lives is upon us and the proles are none the wiser.

Posted by Brenda Leah on 2006-07-01:

Hello? You got the ticket, you didn't appear, THEN you let it go to collections. PAY YOUR BILL!

Posted by Doc J on 2006-07-01:

Pay the back fine. Seatbelts are a good thing. So is not smoking, eating less, and exercising. That something is a "good thing" shouldn't make it govt mandated/prohibited. A $375 fine isn't enough. I hope the penalties for non-seatbelt use rise to 3 yrs in prison for the first offense and execution on the second. Perhaps then, people would grow enough backbone to tell govt leadership where to shove their nanny-state laws.

Posted by Ponie on 2006-07-01:

Stew, my sentiments exactly. However, a law is a law is a law. Doc J, I'm sick of the 'intellectual' know-it-alls who consistently tell me and attempt to enforce 'what's good for me.' If I want to eat Big Macs 5 times a week, clog my arteries (according to them) and drop dead from a stroke or heart attack--so be it. It's my choice. Because it's not the one bleeding hearts agree with, that's their problem, not mine. I've tried to enlist the support of my elected leaders on these issues, but the touchy-feelies have more time on their hands than I do. Don't these people have honest paying jobs?

Posted by Doc J on 2006-07-01:

Ponie-Yes, they have jobs. And, they just gave themselves a raise. If someone wants to eat 5 Whoppers/day fine by me. Just so long as they pay for their CABG and stroke rehab with their own money and not as part of my insurance pool or (gag) Medicaid. BTW: Ponie, not sure you read my whole comment above. LOL.

Posted by Stew.old on 2006-07-01:

The modern day touchy-feelies are the so called conservatives and religious right. They want to touch and feel every aspect of my life. Funny thing - the people behind today's right were the same people behind yesterday's left. Sheryl Crow said it best - "I like a good beer buzz early in the morning" - works for me.

Posted by warddw1526 on 2006-07-01:

Whether or not you believe in seatballs laws, the fine is still valid. Pay it. They use collection agencies, and suspend licenses, becuase they have to do something or people would just simply not pay fines.

Posted by Frenchie on 2006-07-02:

It is a shame that most of the posts have nothing to do with the question as posed. Warddw you have no knowledge if the fine is valid or not. Stew your last post makes absolutely no sense except for your bias.

Now to the point -- go to the City Police/Municipal Court
and get youf file and read it. If you say the warrant is not active, then it was pulled -- the file will so state.
Do Not engage in conversation with GC Services have them send everthing to you in writing, dates, etc.
Since I am not sure who gave you the ticket/summons, if the
date of appearance was on it, time etc. So I am not sure if
it will hold water or not. GC in and of itself cannot hold your license (unless Calif is different) they are not
by law able to do this so they act like they can.
If you feel you are right and being "railroaded" send a letter (registered, return receipt) telling your story but admitting no guilt --watch how you word it. Include a
money order for the exact amount of the seat belt only fine
(maybe $10 to $15.00) --mark on the money order payment in full for such and such. I don't have time to go into more as I don't know all of the particulars. If you are giving us a "con" game in your post, then you pay the price, I
hope you are honest.

Posted by Frenchie on 2006-07-02:

I need to add -- when you send your first letter (the reg. one) do not send the money then. Ask them for a complete
information form of the charge/complaint against you. Tell them no telephone calls will be accepted. If they call you, tell them you will not discuss on the phone and
for them to put and send everything to you in writing.
As I wrote previously, I just don't know enough of your
situtation, except tham I am very familiar with GC Services

Posted by Stew.old on 2006-07-02:

Frenchie the only question posed was "What is next... will a tow-yard hold your car until you pay your back registration?.....oh yeah, they do. :(" - They answered their own question. I think like most of the posters they were posting their outrage and not seeking ill informed legal advice from anonymous commentators. There are only two options; pay GC as they are the contracted collector for the city or don't drive. Not really that difficult. Many state and federal agencies are out sourcing the collections to private contractors. The collectors acting as an agent have the same powers as the State & Fed.. IE student loans, Federal taxes... The poster admitted he failed to appear on the seat belt violation - Guilty. This would be difficult if not impossible to appeal unless as a violation of civil rights which has already been decided by the federal courts.

Posted by Frenchie on 2006-07-03:

Stew you are not correct in that GC has the same powers as the State (unless Ca. if different in it's laws from other states).
athomass, you are very correct in your post and though I was aware of your class action suit, I did not mention it for I believe there are some "facts" missing in this original post I have followed GC for years and also had
a situation with them, but I got them to back down, and leave me alone.