Ticketed for unlicensed operator- plead guilty or not?

[mago0o]

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

This past Saturday I was pulled over for speeding. The officer was nice enough to let me off on the speeding infraction but ticketed me for being an unlicensed operator. My driver's license expired 3 weeks ago. Clearly my fault and I fully admit negligence by not renewing it in time. I went down to the DMV yesterday (1st day the DMV was open since the ticket) and made good on the DL so I am a legal driver again. Should I just plead guilty and take what the court gives me or should I go with a not guilty plea and see if they can take it easy on me? This is my 1st offence- never had a speeding ticket or other infraction. Not bad for an 18 year driving record. Any advice on what I should do?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HighwayMan]

I think you are foolish to even ask such a question.

Be advised that the officer has ONE YEAR to file charges against you. If you show up in court, after being given a huge gift to begin with, to try to fight a legitimate charge the officer could decide to issue you a ticket for the speeding right there, along with anything else you did that he failed to mention at the time of the stop.

Or if he mentions it during his testimony you may not only be found guilty but I can see a judge imposing the maximum fine - close to $400 all together.

You had no valid license when you got stopped. Period. Renewing it later means nothing - this is not a "fix it ticket". And your supposed 18 year stellar driving record means nothing in court.

You do what you want - it's YOUR ticket, not ours.

 

[mago0o]

I appreciate the advice although not the condescending tone. Your response amounts to belittlement because I asked an honest question. It is because of my ignorance of the law that I turned to this forum for advice. If I knew the appropriate protocol, I would not have asked. The advice I have gotten thus far has amounted to 'you never plead guilty'. I am admittedly guilty and did not feel comfortable checking that box without further information.

 

[HighwayMan]

And if you enter a not guilty plea how do you intend to prove to the court that that you are innocent of the charge? By showing that you renewed your license AFTER the ticket was issued? The court can easily access your driving history, including all license actions such as class changes, suspensions, renewals, etc.

 

[Zigner]

And if you enter a not guilty plea how do you intend to prove to the court that that you are innocent of the charge? By showing that you renewed your license AFTER the ticket was issued? The court can easily access your driving history, including all license actions such as class changes, suspensions, renewals, etc.

Slow down there

Pleading "not guilty" means that one wants to have their "day in court." If the OP wants to go in and try to "explain", that is his right...and the ONLY way to do that is by pleading "not guilty."

 

[HighwayMan]

...and the ONLY way to do that is by pleading "not guilty."

The New York State Uniform Traffic Ticket has a "guilty with an explanation" box on the back.

 

[Zigner]

The New York State Uniform Traffic Ticket has a "guilty with an explanation" box on the back.

You New Yorkers...sometimes you get it right!

 

[HomeGuru]

Is there a "guilty and stupid" box on the back of the ticket?

 

[Captian Picard]

Is there a "guilty and stupid" box on the back of the ticket?

On only some ticket forms especially reserved for the Sr. Members of this board...whose advice runs from OK (occasionally) to outright BAD to advice that is not really advice at all.

 

[Zigner]

On only some ticket forms especially reserved for the Sr. Members of this board...whose advice runs from OK (occasionally) to outright BAD to advice that is not really advice at all.

Says the guy who can't even spell captain

 

[Captian Picard]

Says the guy who can't even spell captain

I would rather have advice with spelling errors than legal advice errors. You seem to think the opposite is more important.

 

[HighwayMan]

I would rather have advice with spelling errors than legal advice errors. You seem to think the opposite is more important.

You give people here both - spelling errors AND bad legal advice.

 

[mago0o]

On only some ticket forms especially reserved for the Sr. Members of this board...whose advice runs from OK (occasionally) to outright BAD to advice that is not really advice at all.

So you feel it's not a good idea to plead guilty in this case? My plan at this point it to just go with a guilty plea and take my lumps. Hopefully I don't get tagged with a hefty fine. My fear is that they'll fine me the max because they are a small town in a small county.

 

[HighwayMan]

Captian (sic) Picard knows nothing about the law and is in NO position to provide any meaningful legal advice to anyone.

Why he is permitted to stay here is beyond me.