OT - Needs some advice for appealing a speeding ticket....

[AuraEdge]

I was coming back from the shore today and I got a HUGE speeding ticket, and a reckless driving ticket to go along with it...I was speeding when there were no cars on the parkway, and they got me after a bridge.

I need some advice to what to say/do in the appeal process. Im 17 and ive never been thru this before, and If I'm guilty of both, I think I may get my liscence supended. I was speeding by 29MPH and there were 3 other ppl in the car at the time. My court dates next week...

Just needs some friendly advice from those in the know, or those that have exprience. Thanks for your time - Im really stressing here

[Mntsnow]

AuraEdge,
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif Sorry to hear of the mis-fortune that the long arm of the law has bestowed upon you.

First question....What WAS the legal limit of the road/street?

Second question...Was there any problems between you and the officer? (any arguing ect)

Third question...Were seatbelts being worn?

I will have to say that my heart goes out to you as I had (still have but have been lucker) a "lead foot" in my high school years (I even lost my license for 18 months due to speeding tickets!) So I understand how this can happen. IF this was a freeway/highway/interstate type of road you will have a better chance of lowering the fine/punishment.

But you do have your age going against you http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

My fingers are crossed for you!

Mntsnow

[RobRich]

If this is your first real offense, then they might offer the chance to take a driving course instead of harsh penalities. You can't count on this though, as this is something the judge will have to offer you. If your lucky, and classes are offered, take them. Expect the fines to still be in place, but a taking a couple of driving classes is better than having no driving liscense at all.

[AuraEdge]

This was my first offense, and this was on the garden State Parkway. There were no arguements and seatbelts were worn.
I was going 94 in a 65 Zone...
This ones killer, cuz Fines are doubled at 20MPH over AND fines are redoubled in a 65MPH zone.
That adds up to alot of money..Is there anyway I can plea Clemency? Im a principle list student, have a scholarship, attend weekly pray meetings and stuff like that...
I really dont know what to do....
One of my older friends who's dad was a cop and uncle is a judge is gunna ask his uncle about it...

If I get fined in full, I got about $500 and suspension against me for one offense.

We had the day of school cuz it was the monday after prom (no, not senior cut day, a REAL off) and I was driving back from the shore with 3 friends...
Course I said half that stuff already, but Im in deep trouble.
Dad n mom know already...
Dad is giving me a cold sholder
Mom's acting disappointed...

[Szech]

Don't know about that one, I've heard it's pretty hard to convince a judge not to nail your @ZZ. I read that if you call the police station, you can find out what day the officer who busted you has off, and that if he/she doesn't show up, you have a much better chance. But it sounds like your date has already been set. Um... I suppose if nothing else, look very presentable and play the whipped dog. Good luck.

[akaBruno]

If you think that the fine is bad, wait untill you see what the insurance company is going to do to you.

[alondra]

sorry about your misfortune. would suggest the following, go to court looking as "estasblishment" as posible, treat the judge like God (in his coutroom he is) and try to explain that the road was so empty, you just didn't realize you were going that fast. and you are penitent. (sorry)
just an old goats advice. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
Just read the above post 94MPH, the only time Ive gone that fast I was flying a plane, hope you think about this in the future, the slightest error or mech failure could have resulted in at least four, well you fill in the blanks.

[This message has been edited by alondra (edited 05-08-2000).]

[wyvrn]

Because of the harshness of the penalty, you will most likely have to pay it. You can take defensive driving to keep it off of your insurance. Just consider this a lesson well learned and take your lumps.

[SysOpt]

Might I suggest a Valentine One radar detector, or similar. Don't leave home without it (or is that, don't do 95mph without it) http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

[Amarok]

The only thing I can suggest is be as polite as you can in court and pray for the best.

You may not like my opinion on this but....

30 miles over the speed limit is 30 miles over the speed limit. Speed limits are there for a reason. I personally think that you deserve to pay what ever fine that will be imposed. People with a disregard for the limits should be fined. For every mile over the speed limit you are doing it takes you that much longer to stop if you have to. It does not matter if you are on the highway/freeway/dirt road/city street. These limits are posted in each area as the MAXIMUM speed that should be driven in these areas.

From personal experience... my son was hit by a car doing 18 miles an hour over the speed limit. He was lucky that he was not killed. But will have to live with many problems for the rest of his life. If the driver was doing the posted limit the accident would either never have happened. Or the injuries would have been minor. Instead the vehicle hit my son and threw him over 50 feet and then he slid on the pavement for another 50 feet.

So sit down and think about it the next time you are in a vehicle??? Is getting somewhere 2 min faster really worth ruining someone's life over? Just be glad it is going to be just a fine or possibly a suspension, and that there was no accident where someone is in the hospital or in the morgue.

Just be glad that you do not live in this Province or you would have your driving license suspended regardless of how fast you were going, or if you had ever received a ticket before. During the 1st year of driving here it is an instant suspension.

Just my two cents worth on this topic.

[narayan]

Lie.

[bhess]

There are some tricks:
Check the ticket for any errors (name spelled wrong ,location of ticket etc.)
change the court date a few times ( you'll probably have to go to the courthouse to do this.) Each time you do this they will give you another date, probably a month or more away. The officer may not show up if a few months go by.
I also was in court once and heard people say that they are students and can't afford the fine and could they work it off at the collage in community service?

[rrick31]

tell them your throttle stuck,if they bach at that tell them your throotle stuck and you demand a jury trail.

[chipbgt]

Tell them the truth; you were over the speed limit. Lying or trying to trick the judges or the cops in any way will just cause you more grief. The summer before I left for college, I got a speeding ticket (89 in a 45) and I am lucky I wasnt thrown in jail for it. I got off with a six month suspended license...I knew I was speeding, I knew the penalties, and sooner or later everyone gets caught. I am 21 now and am much more aware of my speed. Just be a man about it and take your punishment......and go confess in the sysopt confessional http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

BTW...dont stress over it. The world will not end! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by chipbgt (edited 05-08-2000).]

[pickel]

They got me too, back when I was in the Navy.
coming home to NYC. Mine was 70 in a 60. just gave them their money. It's gonna be hard, esspecially in Jersey, I know. All you can do ,like some of the other fellas said, be neat and clean , try to let the judge know you're a student not a "hippie" type and you are completely penitent. "Yes Sir" goes a long way, too. Best of luck!!!!! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Warthog]

heh heh....actually, Sysopt....you shouldn't depend radar detectors 100%. My friend who owns a sporty Ford Probe (17 years old) thought he would never get a ticket. He had his radar detector on and didn't detect a thing, but a cop turned his on when he was practically right next to my friend. His ticket was $178.

I think he (and you) learned a lesson. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog

[desmocat]

Been there alot, buddy.Here in Fort Worth,I got nailed for 85 in a 55 on a wide open freeway.The motorcycle cop that stopped me was cool about it,didn't give me a lecture or anything. If there is a lawyer in your area that "specializes" in traffic tickets, that may be one option. Most of the time if your doing more than 20 over,defensive driving is not an option(wasn't in my case)so maybe they will let you have deferred adjudication,which means here in Texas,you still have to pay the fine/court costs,but as long as you don't get another ticket in that jurisdiction within a set time,usually 90 days,it won't show up on your record.BUT,if you do,both offences will be put on your driving record. As for me,I got EXTEMELY lucky in that my laywer got the case dropped and all I was out was $37 for his fee. Good luck,and be careful. Mark

[Ptrper]

Hey guys, Warthog is right... The biggest misconception about having a radar detector is that you are impervious to the "gun". Your detector wil only work if you're being tagged. Now there are technologies out there that can scramble a radar gun, but are very expensive. If you want a really good radar detector, invest in a good CB radio and listen to the truckers sharing the road with you.

[chipbgt]

or trying driving the speed limit in known cop areas http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[BBA]

What I have done is tell the truth and take what they give. A few years to work off some points really is not that long...they go by really quick!

A little advice, next time, tell the officer yes you knew you were speeding (because you did ) and take it in stride, he will probably give a warning because you don't act like a hoodlum. I played the card out of a double wreckless driving ticket, got it down to an improper start from stop ( smoking both tires with 580HP ).

Believe it...if you start trying to pull the BS over the judges eyes, he'll know it all to well, and you'll get the shaft ( They've been around a lot longer than you have, hehehe )

~edit: my typing really sucks in the evenings...


[This message has been edited by BBA (edited 05-09-2000).]

[jman01pa]

hey!

your best bet is to get a lawyer. someone that specializes in this stuff. he probably could get the reckless driving charge dropped and the speeding lowered. it will cost you $$$$ up front but alot lot less than fines, insurance, damaged driving record and loss of license. i got a buddy in california that had almost the same scenario and beat most of it. he didnt learn his lesson though. you think you will? good luck!

Jay http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[AuraEdge]

I did not realize I was speeding at the time. I was in the fast lane and there were no cars around. I totally agree with you Amarok. I would definitly have slowed down if I glanced at my speedometer....
Radar detectors are illegal in this state (as far as I know), but even with a radar detector, its a stupid reason to speed (just cuz theres no cops around).

Narayan - I'm NOT going to lie about it. It always gets you in deeper than you need to be.

Now my court dates in a week and a day, and I have to get my plea ready a week in advance to the court date...which means i need a lawyer by tommora!

I also need to tell my friends that where in the car with me that I need them to be in court with me, and getting an (excused) absence from school.

I really dont know if im going about this right, but theyre court room must be real empty for them to give me a DAY to organize. (my friend got a reckless driving charge also in another incident - he got 2 months to organize).

I appreciate all you taking your time to help me although the Q's is horribly off topic....Its really helping me, cuz my heads just been full of this one incident. Maybe I can get some sleep tonight after all.

[cyclone2]

Well you may get lucky with the Judge or not. Either way chock it up to lifes experiences, it was fun but stupid- been there done that. When I look back to the way I drove when i was 17 I'm amazed that I'm still alive, let alone anyone near me when I drove that way. Now its family guy time- just a few clicks over the limit, keep the speed for the racetrack. Good luck

[Ed_S]

Can't believe no one's said this...GET A LAWYER!!!

Any decent lawyer will get it reduced to a non-moving violation. Thus no points against your license, and (most important) no insurance rate increase. The fine will most likely stay the same or be more, though. And you'll have to pay the lawyer.

BUT - it's MUCH cheaper than high-risk insurance for the next five years!!

Ed

[This message has been edited by Ed_S (edited 05-08-2000).]

[AuraEdge]

Chip - I did just that
I got pulled over
and the convo went like this

<officer walks up to passenger side> Officer - Hi...Do you know why I pulled you over?
Me - Yeah..I was speeding...
Officer - Yeah...94MPH
Me - Oh..I didnt even know my car could go that fast <its a 4-cyl>
Officer - why were you going so fast?
Me - I dont know, I didnt even realize I was going so fast, Im sorry, sir
Officer - why arent you wearing your seatbelt?
Me - I just took it off to get my wallet for my liscence <everyone else had thier seatbelts on>
Officer - where ya coming from?
Me - Seaside
Officer - Were you drinking this weekend?
Me - No, sir
Officer - Have you gotten a ticket before?
Me - No, this is my first offense.
Officer - Okay, let me make a merit check
Me - Yes, sir
<cop walks back to his car, comes back 10 minutes later with 2 tickets, and gives them to my friend sitting on the passenger side front seat>
Officer - You have to appear in court on the date written. You know going that speed,you could have gotten u and your friends killed?
Me - Yeah, I know...im sorry sir
Me - Okay sir, but I have one question, how bad will this be on my record?
Officer - Hey you were speeding, its my job to prevent that.
<he gets back in his car, and waits for me to take off, my friend puts the tickets in the glove compartment, and we take off a little while later.>

I looked at the tickets when we reached the mall where my friend had to drop off his tux. I didnt even realize i got reckless driving til then, and he didnt explain why I got it! I tryed to reach the PD there tonight, but the cops with his ID number are on duty 7-3 AM. I didnt lie to the cop at all, and try not to lie ever.

I need this court case delayed! One day notice isnt enought to organize myself.
Do i just called the municipal court, and ask for a reschedule?

[AuraEdge]

Whats a 'non moving violation'?
I already called a lawyer for a little advice, and he basically told me I was screwed. I need to get in touch with one in the area of the municipal court, or else costs will be VERY high.

[Mntsnow]

Yep...I would have to agree that a lawyer will end up costing your wallet less money in the LONG RUN. The "SR22" (High risk insurance) that I had to carry for 3 years was more than my car payment (Z28) and that HURT! Since getting my license yanked back then I have only had 2 tickets in the last 14 years (I admit that I have SLOWED down some in my "older" age but still push it around 75-80 in the 65 zones).

You do have the right mind set in not trying to lie or BS the judge.

Just remember that whatever happens will hurt less than what could have.

Mntsnow

[SysOpt]

No, a radar detector is not a guaranteed way to avoid a ticket. But if you're going to speed regularly, doing so without one is foolish. I can't begin to tell you how many times it saved me. Speeding, coming around a corner, detector goes off, I slow down, cop is sitting there - coming over a hill, ditto. I don't speed as much as I used to, and drive at more conservative speeds - course, I corner and accelerate agressively, and I hope I always will http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

I do agree that driving fast is inherently dangerous, but so is operating a 3,000 pound vehicle at any speed above zero. Just because the white and black sign says "55 MPH" does not mean that 55 is "safe" and 70 is "dangerous". I hear that time and again, "for every mile per hour over the speed limit, the car will exert x times more energy/force in an accident", when it should be, "for every mile per hour over ZERO...", and not pretend that the speed limit is somehow safe. A variety of factors come into play that influence safety, particularly driver skill and mental state (drowsy, distracted, or alert), weather, and attributes of the vehicle (and those around you!).


[This message has been edited by SysOpt (edited 05-08-2000).]

[Mntsnow]

<cop walks back to his car, comes back 10 minutes later with 2 tickets, and gives them to my friend sitting on the passenger side front seat>

You mean to say the officer DID NOT have you sign for the citations? And he DID NOT explain to you what he was citing you for?

Make sure you tell your lawyer and the judge this fact!!

Mntsnow
*edited to add in the bold text*

[This message has been edited by Mntsnow (edited 05-08-2000).]

[Ed_S]

Well, to explain "non-moving violatioon", let's put it this way - last time I got nailed (90 in 65 zone) the littering fine I paid was something like $200 and the lawyer cost about $80

Once had a "parking" ticket that cost pretty heavy too...hehehe...

Ed

[AuraEdge]

The heck do u get littering from speeding?
I mean theres good lawyers, but thats just wrong...
Once I get out of school, my parents can take me off the insurance if the prices go up any cuz I dont absolutely have to drive in the summer, and I dont plan to drive thru-out college.

I didnt sign anything today. I bet hes gunna say something stupid like 'driving 94 with 3 passengers is reckless' but reckless driving is a totally different charge, from a legal standpoint. If that were the case, then all speeders would also get reckless driving tickets.

And I learned a very important lesson already - I'm not invincible on the road. Its better learning this way than If I got into an accedent or something...

It was killing me real bad before, but, God knows, if he didnt stop me I mighta killed someone.

I'm just gunna deal with what I got tho.

The lawyer I called sounded like a dime a day lawyer, and said that character profile doesnt matter in a speeding case.
I really dont know...

Again, Im really glad that you all care enough to tell me your personal experiences/opinions.

Mntsnow - Thanks for that last tidbit, sounds like a solid ground to start from.

So far it looks like Im pleading not guilty to reckless driving (saving my liscence if it goes thru), and to speeding..Im pleading...uh..is there a plea thats guilty but I didnt mean to/I wont do it again/I learned my lesson/I cant afford it? If not, I just drilled myself a 400 dollar hole in my wallet...after blowing most of my money down the shore.

[dkozloski]

You can plead "no contest" or whatever you call it in your state. In some states if you live with your parents you will be on their insurance, license or not, because the insurance company knows **** well you'll be driving. If you're worried about the fine just call the judge a stupid bastrich and you'll spend the summer in the can instead.

[chipbgt]

Aura-

It sounds like you do have a good head on you shoulders. I never could udnerstand how someone could have the cajones to mouth off to a guy packing heat and a possible god complex. I guess I kind of read into that you were looking for a way out of the charges....thats why I was being a little "parentish" http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif what have your parents said about the whole thing?

[AuraEdge]

Dad hasnt talked to me...He made a bad crack that I should change my name to Mario Andretti, but it wasnt funny at the time, and I dont think ever will be.

Moms much more understanding...She told me I should drive other people but the other ppl's ride had left at 5AM for work and 3 of my friends didnt wake up...I couldnt just leave them there. No matter what happens tho, chances are, no car for the summer, and I cant say I didnt deserve it. I really need it for the rest of school tho, which is less than a month now.

Im not gunna lie - I would like to NOT get the points and pay up the money, but I'll just prepare as best I can, and let God sort it out.

"...and He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me; nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt..."

Mark 14:36 http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by AuraEdge (edited 05-09-2000).]

[codybear]

when I was 17 I got pulled over for doin 93 in a 55 with 4 people in the car and like you got a reckless as well as a speeding ticket,...went to court and the judge wasnt very happy that day...guess he didnt get none the night before and I received 30 days in jail...suspended my license for 6 months and had to take driving school and a $25 fine and cost..dont laugh it was alot then...while I am serving my 30 days I am found in contempt of court for not attending driving school and sentenced another 30 days but it was suspended as long as I attended within 60 days of my release...I wish you the best and just hope you have a decent judge and sound repentent in front of him. Dress nice, use your yes sirs and no sirs and thank yous and your Honours and above all do not smile http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

Good luck!!

BTW...doing 15 over the posted limit can be considered reckless but it is the officers call to cite you for it...by yourself on a deserted highway probably not but with people in the car...everytime..not too smart

oops Im a two finger typer..17 not 16

[This message has been edited by codybear (edited 05-08-2000).]

[AuraEdge]

JAIL???
When you were 16?
Dontcha hafta be 18 before they chuck u in jail?

[Ed_S]

I don't really know how it went from speeding to littering, but it worked.

I'm 41 and really haven't had a lot of traffic violations, but I HAVE learned how to handle it.

Here's how it works:
Get a ticket.
Call the lawyer.
Eventually the lawyer calls me & tells me how much & where to mail it, then he follows up with a letter.
I write the checks.
The end.

No court appearance by me, that's his job. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif


BTW - I am NOT condoning what you did by any means. You could've killed somebody.
But I see no reason for a seemingly bright young person to carry this around for years, and THAT'S why I explained my solution!!

Ed

[narayan]

Last year I got stopped for speeding on a gravel road while sippin' on a cool one. The 6-pack was on the seat next to me and when the cop asked me what I was doing, I just said that I was bored and wanted to drive around and drink beer. I did have an open container in my lap, and 2 full ones left on the seat. He asked me if I knew that what I was doing was illegal. I said "yeah". To make a long but cool story short, he let me go with a warning for speeding! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif If I would have not been absolutely straight forward with the trooper, jail for Ted. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

~edit~ Come to think of it, The time before that, I was ripping along in my Trans Am at about 140 mph plus (not its top speed, that was 167. I have had it there) when my radar detector went off. Hit the brakes hard and got a ticket for 74 in a 45. If it wasn't for my radar detector, I would have lost my license. I was still accelerating when it went off. Thinking of that car gives me wood. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif Wish I still had it.



[This message has been edited by narayan (edited 05-08-2000).]

[chipbgt]

The more stories I hear it seems like a lot dpeends on what cops/judges you pull...I mean I could have been in codybears position but got off with a 140 dollar ticket and no license for 6 months...I guess I got off easy!

[cr250]

I do not know how it is in your state but if he got you with a radar gun he might have to show you the speed on the gun so that you can verify that you were going the speed that the ticket says. Also here they usually read over the ticket and have you sign them. At least that is what I can remember. If you had a lawyer he could ask when was the last time that the gun was calibrated, they have to be calibrated every so often if I am not mistaken. Anyway best of luck.

[This message has been edited by cr250 (edited 05-09-2000).]

[U-96]

Plead guilty and grovel lots.
Court time is expensive, and the less time you spend there, the better - the judge will want to get onto the exciting stuff like druggies and hookers...

mentioning church, community service, and how you rely on your car to visit your sick grandmother (for example) may all help reduce your fine. looking young might help too - it may just get chalked up to experience.

on the other hand, insurance companies will love you for it. depending on the judge, a not guilty plea may actually attract less lenience from a hard-assed judge than a genuinely penitent young man who made a mistake and shows determination to learn from it...

whatever you decide on, good luck. and if you don't like what the lawyer is saying, don't be afraid to say so.

U-96.02c

[jad1097]

If you exceed the speed limit by 25MPH you can go to jail no matter how old you are. If you are a minor then you go to juvenile detention center. I had my license suspended when I was 16 for many reasons, speeding, reckless driving etc.., and I did not get it back till I was 19. I went to jail many time for DWLS, it always cost $50 to get out or I stayed till the next morning if I did not have the funds or mom decided she did not want to get my ***, usually the latter.


Anyhow go to court plead guilty and ask for traffic school if they have it. If not the judge may have you pay court costs and let you go, this is what happened to me last year since I did not have any tickets in 8 or 9 years.

[C5John]

Lawyer, Lawyer, Lawyer.

Do not know about your state laws, (other than radar detectors ARE legal) but in Michigan, the requirements for "reckless" driving are much more severe than for "careless" driving. A good lawyer should be able to help you with this. Neither you, nor your folks, want to have a reckless driving ticket on your record. Talk to your Dad, acknowledge the screwup, and reason the different corrective actions out with him. The concern you show here, is evidence of normal responsibility. It does not sound like you are a "reckless driver" (no alcohol, no traffic, just having fun with friends, and not paying attention)

Good Luck
C5John

P.S. Radar Detectors are legal everywhere in North America but Virginia, and Canada)

[bdunn]

I wish you luck. When you show up make sure to ask all the right questions. Is the radar calibration up to date. Is the person who stopped you CURRENTLY licensed to use radar. You never know when the department slips up. I grew up in NJ and got out of a ticket when I caught the police off guard. The cops radar license wasnt current.

Only other suggestion I have is if you know someone who is a mechanic you can have them provide you wiht a letter saying the speedometer was not functional and now repaired.

You could use this letter to fet it down to an equipment violation.

[Toadman]

If it was a radar ticket, be sure to subpoena in the calibration and maintenance records for the radar gun. These guns are to be calibrated at the beginning of the officer's shift, usually using a tuning fork-like device. Consider yourself lucky, in Cal., you're not allowed to have passengers under 18 until the driver is 18 with no moving violations, as well as night driving restrictions.

[montanafan]

I've had many speeding tickets in many different states and the laws vary. In most states, driving over a certain speed or a particular number of miles over the posted limit, adds reckless driving to the charge automatically. Getting a lawyer will not help you in this type of a case at all. One may help if the charge is reckless driving in and of itself, but not here. In many states, you are not required to sign the ticket when it is presented to you.

Alot of the advice you have gotten here would be good except for one thing, you are 17 years old and you were driving 94 mph with 3 other young people in the car. Most judges will feel an obligation to teach you a lesson before you kill yourself or someone else.

Just be on time, neatly dressed, polite, apologetic, remorseful, and cooperative. It's all up to that particular judge and what he/she thinks you need to "learn your lesson".

[AuraEdge]

I just called the court room - they said the date on the ticket is the date when I have to plead guilty/not guilty, and my rights will be read that day, so I have to be present, and on that day my court date will be set.
Cop was a state trooper, so I dont think he's gunna screw anything up. Theres some little things on the ticket I could get picky about, but I'll ask a legal counsel if it matters in this case.
If what is said is true, then I cant plead guilty to speeding but not guilty to reckless driving can I?
I didnt think a first violation could be that bad...
I just learned how to use my cruise control so that wont happen again, assuming I can drive back off the day of the case. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I feel so stupid...
I just hope the scheduled court case isnt til after graduation, cuz then I wont need the car anymore...well except to get to work to pay off my ticket..*shrugz*



[This message has been edited by AuraEdge (edited 05-09-2000).]

[Idnew]

Well the way I beat mine I don't think will work for you. This also involved more than speeding. But on mine they started following me at point A at certain time and stopped me at point B at certain time and said I was doing 85. So I re-drove it and got the miles then divided the miles by the 85 which would have put me at point C had I been driving that fast and not point B. Dividing the miles by the legal speed put me at point B. How many miles per minute it took me to go to point to point. Blew the judges mind. I was also charged with reckless driving because there was an empty beer bottle that my daughter had left on the floor. Anyway, unless your state is different you can go to school on a first offense on speeding and it won't go on your driving record and if you have a nice judge he can withold adjudication on the reckless driving and it won't show on your driving record. They rarely suspend a license on a first offense and the worst you could get is a year in jail. New laws on reckless driving, now it's a felony. But you could get just probation and still the Judge can withold adjudication of guilt. I would plead nolo contendre on the reckless driving and I'm assuming you got it for speeding with passengers, endangering their lives as well as yours and others. Good luck, been there. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Idnew (edited 05-09-2000).]

[AuraEdge]

I'll take the driving courses, no problem!Thing is if I lose my liscence, I lose both my jobs and I'll have no way to pay off the tickets...kinda of a catch-22.

To all you reading this and dont know why you are..MAKE SURE YOU KEEP THE SPEED LIMIT! Its definitly NOT worth the grief. I'm in over my head, on first offense, and may get a suspension, and $500 penalty, which is like a 1 1/2 months pay of my 2 partimes.

And that jail stuff! Im supposta go to university on a scholarship next year! This is the last thing ANYONE needs. All I hear is 'your screwed' left and right. I hope no one has to go thru what Im goin thru right now, and I KNOW im never going thru this again.

Im trying to find some good out of this horribly bad situation, but Its kinda hard. Ill say one thing - If the guy just let me off with a warning, I definitly wouldnt have learned my lesson like I have now.

God, help me.

[BBA]

Just look at it this way...your young, you have lots of time to get your life back together.

This is not the worst thing that can happen to a person, most all of us old people have gone through this kind of thing once or more.

You will still wake up tomorrow! ( God willing...) So it can't be that bad.

[Warthog]

Yes! Optimism! You've got your health! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

You'll get through this. Money can always be regained. Jail time is another story but I don't really think they would be THAT harsh on your first offense. I can picture the driving classes though.

Look at all the helpful advice that you've gotten in 24 hours (50 posts!). At least you have some idea of what can happen. Most of us haven't even met each other but we're there for you http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif.

Hang in there http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog


*oops forget to spell check

[This message has been edited by Warthog (edited 05-09-2000).]

[AuraEdge]

Yep, I know! Thats why I came here first. My mom and I are trying to figure out if its a good choice to get a lawyer.
The insurance doesnt concern anything, because my current policy is good til november, and in september, after I go to college, I will have changed residence, and I will be dropped of my parents insurance anyways. Also I wont be driving in college, so those 4 years should be able to kill anything on my record, or at least a good part of it.

The main bad thing is liscence suspension now...Theres no way I can pay off a fine if I get my liscence suspended. Same with a lawyer. If a lawyer can keep me from getting my liscence suspended, its worth it, because I can keep my jobs. If it cant, then it was a waste of money.
But no matter what happens, Im still waking up the next day, and I still have a life to live, and people to be there for, and a smile to crack.

"...if thou faint the day of adversity, thy strength is small..."
Proverbs 24:10 http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by AuraEdge (edited 05-09-2000).]

[codybear]

even "if" you loose your license you should still be able to get it back to drive to and from work and school..I've been clean for 17 years now after loosing licenses from 7 different states for speeding...now most of the states cooperate with each other but then they did not so for many years I continued to fly down the blue line highways of america..when the ride was over it cost me 2700 dollars to pay off all those tickets from the different states and I did it by fed ex and sent a return for them to reply with...when I went back with all my paper work to pick up my new license from my home state and all the paperwork was processed I recieved a safe driver license http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif...the clerk laughed but it had been so long since I had one in that state and none of the points had been added to my license yet as they had all 'just' been paid...as of that day I have been ticket free and the savings alone in insurance has made it worthwhile..my foot still sees the floor board on ocassion but only at the track now

[Ed_S]

Im trying to find some good out of this horribly bad situation
I KNOW im never going thru this again.

Sounds like you HAVE found some good in it, and you (and your friends) are all still in one piece! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

No matter WHAT the monetary cost, if the lesson learned makes you drive better or safer, it's a small price to pay. Might save a life.

Before you think the ins. is no biggee, though, I would call an ins. agent (NOT your own!!) anonymously and ask price for your age and SR22 high-risk. Which you'll be stuck with for 3 - 5 years. Phone call will take a few minutes, and the info will help you & your parents decide about the lawyer.

[jaida]

good luck Aura know how you feel got a speeding ticket for going 130 km in 100 km zone just a few months ago and i was 17 then also. I got the same treatment from the cop you did but i just paid the fine thats what i would do in your case but you got alot more penalties against you than i did.

I live in Canada all i got was $117.00 ticket and lost 3 demirets when you have 14 total

p.s i was lucky i was going 140 guess he caught me on a corner ehehhehehe

anyways good luck i would just pay it and take the penalties their is really nothing else you can do and the reckless drivin is B.S. there was no one on the road because when i got my ticket their was tons of cars on the road and that was all i got was the speedin if you fought anything i guess that would be the only thing worthwhile to fight

[This message has been edited by jaida (edited 05-09-2000).]

[AuraEdge]

I wont be driving for at least 4 1/2 years after thius policy runs out in november, and by that time, the 5 year period will be over. (works like that right?)
Ill gladly pay the money IF i can still get to work.

I have to decide whether to get a lawyer or not, but chances are Im not. Again, If I can still get to work, everythings fine.
Also, court date probably wont be til schools over, so I dont think thats a concern.

[montanafan]

I seriously doubt that you'll be going to jail.

In most states, the judge can impose seperate penalties for the speeding and the reckless driving counts. This could be a GOOD thing.

codybear is right about the driving permit for work and/or school. You have to show the judge that you do have a job and then you can be granted a permit to drive between certain hours only.

In many states, the points on your driving record are expunged after only 3 years, not five. They can tell you at the DMV.

Hang in there AuraEdge, many of us have been through something similar and can tell you that it's aggravating, a pain in the pocketbook, time-consuming, and makes the parents pretty unhappy with you, but it is all temporary,if you have learned your lesson and don't make the same mistake again.

Good luck!



[This message has been edited by montanafan (edited 05-10-2000).]

[MrEd]

Driving 20mph over the posted speed limit is considered reckless driving. It's also a quick way to go to jail too. You're lucky you were not over 18, or that could have happened. My advise is to just suck it up, and pay the ticket.

-MrEd
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[AuraEdge]

Before, I was pestering my mom to get a lawyer, and mom kept tellin me I should deal with it myself since its my fault.

Now, she says that I should get a lawyer, because it will be better for me, and I said that I should deal with it myself, since it was my fault. The lawyer she found was up around $700, which completely blew me away. (especially for a 426 dollar speeding ticket and unspecified reckless driving ticket). Thats why I wanted to deal with it myself.

However, Im just sick of all this and its really killing me and i have an AP Calc exam tommorow. I told mom Ill go with whatever decision she makes, because shes older and has more life experience than me, and shes more apt to make these desicions than I am, and just about anything she says is for my own good.

Geez, Ill be working this off all summer..at least!

I went to my weekly prayer meeting today, and one of the guys there mentioned the exact same verse I was reading earlier - Mark 14:36. Doesnt really mean anything, but I thought it was pretty cool.

[rh71]

At first I was gonna go off about how you should be punished harshly because it was 94 in a 65... but obviously it's already been a lesson learned for you. I was 17 only 5 years ago and 2 speeding tickets later, I will only go with the speed of traffic, which is usually 10-15 miles over the limit anyway.

Lesson learned is the most important part of getting a speeding ticket. Better now than later, or ever again.

[Idnew]

Well you know what they say..The Lord works in mysterious ways. You probably have two separate tickets don't you? Go to your courthouse before court and ask about the driving school in your state. It's a 4 hr class here in Florida. My attorney cost me 1,000 just to plea bargan on reckless driving which I could have done on my own, but you never know how the Judge feels. In my case we hate each other. You can actually make an appt. with the state attorney that is going to try to fry you and try to work out a plea with him/her in advance of a court date. Most Judges will go by the recomendation of the state, therefore avoiding having to hire an attorney. Can you tell I've had many court dealings? LOL I also research the Florida Statutes and have represented myself or family on several occassions. Good Luck, Stop Worrying and drive safely from now on. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Warthog]

WOW!!! That's the best thing I've heard all day, AuraEdge http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif!! I'm very glad that you got to have a good talk with your dad. It's very important to have a working relationship with your parents. I'm fortunate enough that I have some understanding parents that I can talk to. I don't mean to act like a parent myself.......I'm a year younger than you http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif. I think that you've dealt with this very well, Aura. God was definately with you - no question about it.

You made my day. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog

[M1pilot]

Amazing how some good can come out of just about anything!! Hang on to what you've started with your father. I did'nt really start talking with mine until he was in his late sixties and I now consider him to be my best friend!! I very much regret those missed earlier years. Tough luck on those tickets by the way, hope it all works out for you.

-M1pilot



[This message has been edited by M1pilot (edited 05-11-2000).]

[Ed_S]

Glad to hear about that talk with your Dad, that's great! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif
Wish I knew what it'll take to make the opposite happen, my son (16) seldom talks & never heart-to-heart. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

Wow, those legal fees!! Must be different in other states, I guess. Here in St Louis, there's lots of "traffic law" lawyers & law offices & the going rate is less than $100.
A friend of mine is a policeman, & he says they don't care what the charge is changed to as long as the city gets paid.
Another friend's son hit a parked car & got a careless driving ticket. Cost $500 for vehicle damage, $50 for lawyer, & $50 for the ticket, which was reduced to a parking violation. His insurance will never know.

[montanafan]

I'm so glad that something wonderful has come out of all this for you AuraEdge. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[socalgal]

AuraEdge, I've been following this thread and wanted to comment before but have refrained as I wanted to wait and see how you would work this out...

I already know you are a good person and quite intelligent. Many of us tend to panic at first when things go wrong. But it seems you have found out that while some things may happen do seem really bad at first, some good can come from it.

I think you've learned alot from this: that our actions have consequences. You have handled them like a man - accepting it, learning from it and already even getting something quite good from it (your talk with your Dad) along with a real awareness of reality.

AuraEdge, I know you'll come out on top when it's over and done with. You're already on the way. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[AuraEdge]

Right now moms making me get a lawyer, and its gunna cost me 700 for the lawyer, and all he's promising is the reckless off. The 400 dollar speeding ticket can still stand and we have to pay him. This means this is gunna cost me, potentially, 1100 dollars.
I told mom id rather pay 400 and not drive for x years, but she said i could make more money than that working over x summers. (i can still work on campus during the school year).
I say it would just be cheaper to keep me off the insurance, and me not work for those summers.
Regardless, I cant do anything about it, and as much as I hate a lawyers job description 90% of the time, moms gunna do it. This pretty much I can relax now, but I'm 100 dollars down for 11 months, which is not my choice, but she keeps saying its what's best for me.

--EDIT
Just a personal anecdote -

The most awesome thing just happened - While dad was eating dinner, i told him how he never talks to me whenever anything happens. He said talking wont accomplish anything, but I said that Its not what you accomplish from it, its just the act of talkin that helps. I went to bed to rest, and he wakes me up to talk to me, and for the first time ever, we had a very good talk. I never knew how much he thought like me, and he never showed that he really cared before. All this **** I've been goin thru...it was worth it for that one moment.

[This message has been edited by AuraEdge (edited 05-11-2000).]

[barry glisson]

i sugest you plead no contest, throw yourself on the mercy of the court and ask the judge to read a print out of this thread. i'm sure he will see that you have been man enough to admit your mistake and drive in a more safe manner in the future. volunteer to give safety talks in schools and community service perhaps teaching the elderly and underpriviledged kids how to use computers. from reading this thread i feel confident you will do whatever you promise. i didnt count the number of times you said you will not lie but i found it impressive. i would be proud of you if you were my son. barry

[bdunn]

Aura whne you go to school will you be in state or out tof state? If you are going out of state it might be worth your time to go to motor vehicles when you get there and get a driivers license the old fashioned way. Take the writtten and road tests and just don't tell them you have one from another state. Your current license will expire after a period and your new license will be clean.

[AuraEdge]

Print this out and use it in court? I doubt the judge will even give it the time of day, not only because he may consider it irrelevent, but also because its just plain long (it was 15 pages when i printed it out for mom, and thats when it was about 45 posts long in IE's smallest point/font).
Anyways, I'll just let the lawyer do what he thinks is best, and I'll do anything he advises (cept, of course, lie).

Now, I got a little stress toy..mom got it at a convention...looks like a little comp. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif Never understood these things, but they work. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

Thanks all, for your help, and advice, and making this the best learning experience it could be.

[dkozloski]

bdunn, A very bad plan. As soon as you apply for a license in another state they run an NCIC check on you and the revoked license will show up immediately. Now you have a charge of fraudulently applying for a license.

[ceedee]

dont bother
heads you loose
tails they win
suks i know

[SysOpt]

At least you're not this guy.. Ouch:

http://986board.premier1.net/boards/986/main.pl?read=214021

[AuraEdge]

Lol...always wanted a boxster http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.
Gotta count your blessings..