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Student using the courts to gain experience?

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What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

I recently was fired from a criminal law firm after 6 weeks because I didn't have enough criminal experience. Destitute and now indigent, I got a traffic ticket 2 days later (two of them). I feel that if I have to pay $240 I might as well use the court system to gain experience that I lack and since I am indigent, I have more time than money. I pled not guilty and got my collateral waived. Is it wrong to plead not guilty when you prob deserve the ticket? I am slightly masochistic and feel that I am guilty even when I may not be. Is it ethical to demand a summary trial so I can see how things work? I flip flop? Why should I let them take me down without a fight. I had a cigarrette with the Judge and I observed a few of her hearings, she seems humane so I'm considering offering to do community service if that is something I can bring as an option. The judge liked my hair and said it went well with my face so she might be a reasonable person.
 


Just Blue

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

I recently was fired from a criminal law firm after 6 weeks because I didn't have enough criminal experience. Destitute and now indigent, I got a traffic ticket 2 days later (two of them). I feel that if I have to pay $240 I might as well use the court system to gain experience that I lack and since I am indigent, I have more time than money. I pled not guilty and got my collateral waived. Is it wrong to plead not guilty when you prob deserve the ticket? I am slightly masochistic and feel that I am guilty even when I may not be. Is it ethical to demand a summary trial so I can see how things work? I flip flop? Why should I let them take me down without a fight. I had a cigarrette with the Judge and I observed a few of her hearings, she seems humane so I'm considering offering to do community service if that is something I can bring as an option. The judge liked my hair and said it went well with my face so she might be a reasonable person.
What illness do you suffer from?:(
 

quincy

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

I recently was fired from a criminal law firm after 6 weeks because I didn't have enough criminal experience. Destitute and now indigent, I got a traffic ticket 2 days later (two of them). I feel that if I have to pay $240 I might as well use the court system to gain experience that I lack and since I am indigent, I have more time than money. I pled not guilty and got my collateral waived. Is it wrong to plead not guilty when you prob deserve the ticket? I am slightly masochistic and feel that I am guilty even when I may not be. Is it ethical to demand a summary trial so I can see how things work? I flip flop? Why should I let them take me down without a fight. I had a cigarrette with the Judge and I observed a few of her hearings, she seems humane so I'm considering offering to do community service if that is something I can bring as an option. The judge liked my hair and said it went well with my face so she might be a reasonable person.
It is not wrong to plead not guilty if you think there is a legitimate reason to fight the ticket you received. There are better ways to learn about the court system, though. And, if you are having problems paying $240, courts will often offer a payment arrangement and I have known some judges who will let you "work" off the fine by doing community service.

Just because a judge likes your hair does not mean she is not a tough judge when she is behind the bench.
 

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