Speeding Tickets...

[vince77]

why should a cop need to go to court if he writes you a ticket and you inform the court you are going to plead guilty...sounds like you both agree you were speeding...why waste his time, he could be better used back on the street writing more tickets...

 

[teacherhm]

Sooo... if the cops aren't going to be there, how exactly does one get the case dismissed by the cop not showing up...?

 

[vince77]

by entering an innocent plea and having the cop not show up......if you mailed in guilty pleas, they won't be dismissed because the cop isn't there...he doesn't have to be, you admitted guilt already

 

[teacherhm]

by entering an innocent plea and having the cop not show up......if you mailed in guilty pleas, they won't be dismissed because the cop isn't there...he doesn't have to be, you admitted guilt already

 

[somdfunguy]

 

[Southern Belle]

I'm sure this is one of many past threads on speeding tickets, but I'm looking for some advice... any would be greatly appreciated!

About two weeks ago, I got a speeding ticket going southbound on Rt. 4 right before the Cove Pt. left turn at 8am on my way to work. I was going 70 (I know, my fault here, not making any excuses), but he reduced it to 64 in a 55. It's an $80 payable fine and a point on my license if I choose not to request a hearing. I've had the ticket and envelope in my car to mail it since then with every intention to request a hearing, plead guilty, and hope the judge waives it for me. (I'm 23 and have a totally clean driving record.)

Today, driving down Adelina Rd. towards Sixes Rd., I was caught in a speed trap while going down hill, right when it shifts from a 50 MPH zone to a 30 MPH zone. I was going 52. In my defense, I had a 4 year old pitching a fit in the back seat and didn't realize I had just passed into the 30 zone. Nevertheless, I was unintentionally speeding. He ticketed me, reducing it to 39 in a 30. Another payable $80 fine and a point on my license if I don't request a hearing to plead guilty.

Now... what to do? Should I pay the first ticket and take the point and request a hearing for the second ticket? Pay both and accept both points? Request a hearing for both? I'm leaning towards either requesting a hearing for both or paying the first one and requesting a hearing for the second one... With my luck, I'd request for both, and it'll be the same judge...

Advice/thoughts please? Thanks in advance!

I'd go to court, pay the fine, and ask for CS instead of the point. If points show up on your record, your insurance will most likely go up.

 

[Booboo3604]

I'd go to court, pay the fine, and ask for CS instead of the point. If points show up on your record, your insurance will most likely go up.

If you elected for the waiver hearing, you have already plead guilty, you are just asking for leniancy on the fine/point. If you asked for a trial, you will have the option to plead innocent. I went through the same dilemma of deciding which to do now that they have the three options of paying the fine, waiver hearing, or trial. My main fear was that if I requested the trial and they put in the request for the cop to be there and I didnt have a dam good excuse as to why I did, that the judge was going punish me for wasting both their time.... Ultimately I plead guilty and the fine stayed but the point was dropped.

 

[Baja28]

Good deal, Good luck. By the way I don't go over 55 or 60 much and then end up with a line of traffic behind me too. People going and then Baja flipping me the bird and then paying the cops not to show for court.

Hey do me a favor pal. Could you obsess over someone else as much as you do me? It's lonely living in your hollow head and I'd like a playmate. WR will do just fine.

by entering an innocent plea and having the cop not show up......if you mailed in guilty pleas, they won't be dismissed because the cop isn't there...he doesn't have to be, you admitted guilt already

ALWAYS go to court and NEVER plead guilty. See post 30. Here's the story behind it.

Judge says "when I call your name, plead guilty or not guilty. I am going to take the guilty pleas first to get them out of court."

So he gets rid of all the guilty pleas (most got community service) and starts with us "not guilty" folks. he goes through the whole court room until there are just a few of us left. I do not see my cop in the room. The first lady called goes up and they call my cops name. He's not there.

I'm like ...

Judge says: "I saw officer xxxx here, Go to room 2 and bring him over."

I'm like....

Officer xxxx walks in and is sworn in. Judge asks him for his report. Officer starts reading from his laptop:

Officer: "On such & such day of 2008, I observed Ms. xxxx speeding..."
Judge interupts: "Did you say 2008?"
Officer: "Yes sir, wait.... (officer taps away at keyboard)"
Judge: Do you have any evidence officer?"
Officer: "No your honor. All my dates say 2008."
Judge: "Maam, your case is dismissed."

Baliff: "Mr. Baja, please step forward." I stand waiting to be sworn. Officer is still sitting and tapping away at laptop.

Judge: "Officer, do you have any evidence against this fine, handsome, smart and upstanding young man Mr. Baja?"
Officer: "No your honor, all my dates say 2008."
Judge: "you're free to go Mr. Baja and please take it easy on the morons like justme2 on SOMD.com."
Baja: "Sure thing Judgester. Nice seeing you again."
Judge: "Get outta here Mike before I make something up to hold you on!"
Baja: "Seeya Judgeman! :runsoutofcourtscreaming: "THAT'S NUMBER 4 I BEAT THIS YEAR!!!"

 

[Baja28]

My main fear was that if I requested the trial and they put in the request for the cop to be there and I didnt have a dam good excuse as to why I did, that the judge was going punish me for wasting both their time.....

No, all he can do is give you what the original fine and points were to begin with. Everyone has a right to their day in court.

 

[awpitt]

They're not going to continue a traffic ticket.

There's no guarantee one way or the other.

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

Always go the court appearance route. If the deputy/trooper doesn't show they automatically excuse the ticket (no witness for the state). Almost always, if you're honest and sincere, the fine will be paid and points waived. CS requires time and a fee but is generally looked upon favorably. Volunteer firehouses / animal shelters are a good choice, if available.

I didn't know that one could choose his/her C.S..

Years back, my Brother got a ticket w/ fine and points and his C.S. was bustin' a** outside during the height of summer.

A female friend of his; same age; got a ticket with fine/points and she folded towels in a nursing home; or something like that.

Ain't dat somethin'?

 

[ICit]

I didn't know that one could choose his/her C.S..

Years back, my Brother got a ticket w/ fine and points and his C.S. was bustin' a** outside during the height of summer.

A female friend of his; same age; got a ticket with fine/points and she folded towels in a nursing home; or something like that.

Ain't dat somethin'?

my last CS was at the oyster fest.......
and I had a few beers while working...