Running a red light, unsigned ticket in NC

I have received my first ticket in 26 years of driving! I failed to stop at a red light.
I did not even see the light and did not know why I was stopped until the officer told me what I had done. The red light is in the middle of a block (not at an intersection). I was apparently looking in the parking lot in which I was turning(the entrance to the lot is where the light was located)and failed to notice the light. Since this is my first ticket should I appear in court or just pay the fine? If I appear I will have to take a day off work since it is a 2 hour drive to the town where I received the ticket. Should I retain a lawyer and have him/her handle it?
Is there any significance to the fact that I did not and was not asked to sign the ticket?
How will this affect my insurance? This occured in NC.

I need your advice please.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by K. Ellis:
I have received my first ticket in 26 years of driving! I failed to stop at a red light.
I did not even see the light and did not know why I was stopped until the officer told me what I had done. The red light is in the middle of a block (not at an intersection). I was apparently looking in the parking lot in which I was turning(the entrance to the lot is where the light was located)and failed to notice the light. Since this is my first ticket should I appear in court or just pay the fine? If I appear I will have to take a day off work since it is a 2 hour drive to the town where I received the ticket. Should I retain a lawyer and have him/her handle it?
Is there any significance to the fact that I did not and was not asked to sign the ticket?
How will this affect my insurance? This occured in NC.

I need your advice please.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

Congratulations, and welcome to the Club !!

You see, what you mean to say is: "I've been violating all sorts of laws throughout the years, but this was the first time I was caught !!"

The signature is your promise to appear, or pay the ticket before your court date. Believe me, it's "proforma" and if you don't appear, or pay the ticket, they'll get you anyway. If you lose at trial, or if you pay the ticket prior to trial, and insofar as your insurance is concerned, can you say: "Points"? The higher your driving record points with the DMV, the higher your rates.

Now, here's your saving grace. Call the clerk of the court (Traffic Court Division) and ask if there's a diversion program; e.g. Traffic School or Class. If there is, and you successfully complete the course, your ticket will be expunged from your record, something like a marital "anulment." And best of all, your insurance company will never know!!

Go forth and drive safer.

IAAL



------------------
By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."