Doing 56 in a 35.

[scblocker]

What is the name of your state? Nebraska

Ok, a little background info. I'm only 17, just gota car and within a month, got my first speeding ticket.

I was coming home from school, and I was speeding in a school zone. I'm not gonna lie, but I do not remember going over 50. Anyways he pulls me over and says he got me going 56 on radar. He hands me the ticket with a court date only, and a charge for no proof of insurance. I got the insurance charge dropped by showing them the card within 10 days and I got a price on my ticket. It's for $244 and they said they gave me a break since it was a school zone and they didn't double it.

Why was it not doubled? I don't understand that. And I cannot take the class that will not put points on my license because I was going 21 over and its only available for 20 over or less. What seems suspicious to me is that its 21 and not 20. Did he really clock me at 21 over?

Do I have any chance in fighting this ticket? Becasue not only is $244 a lot for me, but when the points go on my license, I guarentee my insurance will go up over $200 from its current $150 a month. Does anyone have advice for me?

[seniorjudge]

You admit you were speeding so you are guilty.

[scblocker]

yes, I have here but I did not when I was pulled over. I know that I was not doing 56 like he said.

btw, thanks for your awesome reply; it really helped out my situation /sarcasm.

[seniorjudge]

Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat.

Bathe and wash your hair.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation. Ask about traffic school and the ticket not go on your record, if applicable.


Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job in [name a state five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this.

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.”)

[url]http://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?p=854687#post854687[/url]

Public defender’s advice

[url]http://newyork.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/70300494.html[/url]


Other people may give you other advice; stand by.

[seniorjudge]

Q: Did he really clock me at 21 over?

A: That is what the officer will testify to if you have a trial, so the answer is yes.


Q: Do I have any chance in fighting this ticket?

A: You didn't present any defenses in your post, so the answer is no.

[scblocker]

so is there any hope in this case at all? Or am I just going to have to pay the $244 and take the 8 points or so. What would u suggest I do?

[scblocker]

If I went to court and admitted that I was speeding but do not believe that I was going 56 but 50 or so, does anyone think that I will be believed or is this completely hopeless.

[LSCAP]

If you admit to one mile over the limit, you admit you are speeding.

I am sorry to say it, but your only chance is a lawyer. Somewhere on this site someone did the math. It can be cheaper with a lawyer, when you consider the fine, court costs, and insurance raised for a years.

My kid's insurance went from 180 a month to 400 and he was only 10 over, but with less than 3 years experience.

[Pugilist]

I always go to a court trial on my tickets, because very often the officer does not show up. If he doesn't show up, the case is dismissed.

Here in CA, if you go to traffic school that keeps the points from going on your record - maybe it is the same in NE. Here in CA they "dangle" that to discourage you from going to trial, by suggesting that you will lose your chance to go to traffic school if you fight the case. But what they suggest is not true - you do not lose your chance at traffic school just because you fought the case. The judge can still grant it to you, if he is willing. Some are, some aren't.

I am saying all this stuff about CA because NE may have some of the same procedures. You should check it all out, before you give up. Try posting on some newsgroups or forums that attract a lot of people from NE - some of the people who reply will have the inside info and will be very happy to share it.

Pug