Help with Speeding Ticket

[Andrew Michaels]

I got my first speeding ticket ever on Thursday. I was late for class and a cop pulled me over. I honestly don't have the money to pay (not even sure how much it would be). They cop said I was going 49 in a 30. I was in front of my college, I hope that doesn't count as a fee doubler school zone situation.

I was wondering about advice for fighting the ticket. How about going in and saying that I was simply not going that fast, and that the radar gun was not calibrated correctly? How much would the ticket likely be?

Any advice?

Thanks.

[Andrew Michaels]

Also, does this mean that my insurance will go up? Something about points on a drivers license?

My license is from CT but I got th ticket in NY.

[Dharma]

Where in NY did you get the ticket? Hopefully not SW New York. they're tough.

If you want the fee to be lower and less points or no points, check off the place that says you want to go to traffic court (hopefully you have the option). They should send you a court date and you can talk to the judge. Tell him/her the truth and tell him you learned your lesson, would like the ticket reduce because you ability to pay is limited.

[Baltar]

Do a google search for fighting speeding tickets. There should be a lot of info out there. From what I've heard, you should plead not guilty and show up in court. If the cop doesn't show up (which sometimes happens), the ticket will be dismissed. If he does show up you can usually plea bargain to reduce points (but you still have to pay the fine). However in your case being out of state, I believe you can get only 2 points max for any violation so they probably won't reduce it further. Your insurance may go up, depending on their policy.

[da1prophet]

Originally Posted by Andrew Michaels

I got my first speeding ticket ever on Thursday. I was late for class and a cop pulled me over. I honestly don't have the money to pay (not even sure how much it would be). They cop said I was going 49 in a 30. I was in front of my college, I hope that doesn't count as a fee doubler school zone situation.

I was wondering about advice for fighting the ticket. How about going in and saying that I was simply not going that fast, and that the radar gun was not calibrated correctly? How much would the ticket likely be?

Any advice?

Thanks.

Had you received a ticket here in South Carolina I'd know someone who knows the judge and I could have it "go away" in less than 5 minutes with a quick phone call. That's one of the things I love about the south ; )

In your case, I'd just follow the other posters' advice and show up in court. Don't bring a lawyer and don't be an arrogant prick--just give your side of the story (if you have one) otherwise apologize and request a reduction in your fine. The less adversarial you make the process the better it'll go for you--judges (and in some jurisdictions the arresting cop) have a lot of leeway in reducing or eliminating your fine/point penalty all together. I've had experiences where I went in to court and the arresting cop met me at the door, told me that he'd reduce the penalty if I wanted to pay and get it over with. It saved me time, money and hassle...

I wouldn't go through all of the BS about the radar being wrong, etc, if you were really speeding. They've heard it all before and it doesn't work. Just show up, give your side of the story/excuse if you have one, and respectfully ask for a reduction in your penalty. In your situation, try saying that you're working yourself through college and were en route from work to school....

[Michelle]

So basically, you want to know how to lie effectively enough in order to get out of taking responsibility for your actions?

And it really is too bad the southern maffia is not there to help you out.

[da1prophet]

Originally Posted by Michelle

So basically, you want to know how to lie effectively enough in order to get out of taking responsibility for your actions?

And it really is too bad the southern maffia is not there to help you out.

There's a big difference between lying and playing the game that the law enforcement types want you to play to minimize the financial/legal impact of a traffic ticket. I'm not suggesting that anyone lie--but that if you play their game the right way it could be to your advantage.

And southerners don't like the term 'mafia'.....we call it 'networking'...and it really is too bad since I'd be happy to take care of it in exchange for a cocktail or lunch

Speed limits are too low anyway....the real danger is slow, dimwitted drivers....

[da1prophet]

To put this in a more Pavalinian context, this is one of those unpleasant situations where you, unfortunately, have to play by the rules of someone else's "reality". I wouldn't suggest taking the position that "my" reality doesn't recognize speeding tickets, so I'll just ignore this. Next time you get pulled over they'll slap the cuffs on you and take you down to the "gray bar motel" which is a sobering realization that in this instance at least their reality trumps yours...unless you live in the south and know a lot of juiced in people

So the best solution is to play their game--go down to the court, show a little contrition, and hopefully you'll get your fine/points reduced. If you're not concerned about the money or the points, you can always just scratch out the check. If either or both are an issue and its a relatively cut and dried offense like speeding, you're best served taking my advice--go to court, act humble, give your side of the story if there is one and hope for the best....

[Holistic Star]

I used to drive on all motorways at 90mph until I got caught (speed limit in UK is 70mph) and I got a £60 fine and 3 points on my licence. (Get 12 points in 3 years and you get an automatic ban).

I had the reasoning that because I didn't speed in towns or villages that I didn't deserve to get caught!

Since getting caught I am much more attentive to the road and respectful of speed limits. I consider getting caught my wake-up call to be more considerate.

Instead of trying to use the LOA to get off the fine - how about manifesting the money instead?