hard to say without knowing your state. However, a lot of states classify driving with expired inspection stickers as a class C misdemeanor (fine only, with a court appearance). It seems that your sticker wasn't renewed, you were charged with a misdemeanor, and missed a court appearance. Missing the court appearance probably gave a default judgement which equaled an arrest warrant. Yeah, it sucks, but you did drop the ball on the followup as you admitted. Things snowballed from there and you got arrested for a technicality. You can call a lawyer, but unfortunately most of what you said sounds like it was done as I've heard it before, even if the cop was a little too harsh about it and acted like a dick. You have a kid at home, OK. The cop probably didn't care, and he doesn't really have to in this case, she's not there in the car. Just be glad the fine was higher. I know back home near Philly if you were carted off to jail, the impound fees on the car were at least double that. (and yes, this too is standard in most states). tldr; you had a perfect storm of shit after an honest mistake. Unfortunately, nothing sounds illegal. Sources: Interned at a law firm doing motor vehicle stuff (as IT, though you pick up a lot talking to the lawyers)