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It’s “appalling” that Calgarians are being fined for failing to show up for traffic court while criminal cases are automatically adjourned 10 weeks, a defence lawyer said Friday.

Adriano Iovinelli told provincial court Judge Margaret Keelaghan he had a client convicted of a traffic offence in his absence on Thursday, instead of having his case kicked over.

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“The general public should know about this,” Iovinelli said.

“We don’t want people coming down to the courthouse, but if you don’t contact us on tickets you’re gonna get convicted in absence, or a warrant’s gonna (be issued),” he said.

Iovinelli noted people facing criminal charges — break and enter, for example, which has a maximum penalty of life — aren’t required to check in with the court.

“Don’t worry, don’t come down here, you’ve got 10 weeks. That is, with all due respect, garbage.”

He said while those who face set fines are simply convicted, others who have tickets requiring mandatory court appearances face possible arrest warrants.