First Ticket - 79/65

State- Virginia
Speeding ticket for- 79/65

This is my first ticket (i'm 23). Nothing interesting about this ticket except that I was trying to make it to an appointment on time, but I did not mention this to the police officer.

I'm not really looking for a way out of the ticket, but I would not mind taking the 8-hour class, especially if you can take them on Saturdays. When I go to court, what should I do to make this happen? Also, if the judge lets me take the class, how would money does that cost me (does the speeding ticket fine still apply)?

Why are you going to court over this? You don't seem to dispute the charge so I assume you'd plead guilty. Just pre-pay the fine and be done with it. Why waste time going to a driving class and to court?

[Maxthedog]

It doesn't matter that you were late for anything. You broke the law. Although, I disagree with hewlett. I would go to court and tell the judge that this is your first offense and see if you could do a driving course if your state does indeed offer it. In most cases, upon completion of such a course and no further violations for a specified time period, the ticket comes off your record. This process is done in MO and IL. Hope this helps.

Max and Hewlett:

Your two opinions seem to be the same ones with my friends I've been talking to. I'm not sure, but the insurance may overlook the ticket since it's the first. Then again, it might be better to be safe and get the ticket off my record. I'm not sure!

By the way, if I go to try for the class, what do I plead? Nolo or not guilty or guilty or what?

If you plead no lo, there is a chance that the judge will reduce the cost of the speeding ticket. Also, points won't go on your driving record therefore your insurance company won't feel the need to ask for your first-born when its time for your next renewal .

I found a website called: realpolice.net. Awesome website ... go to the "ask a cop" subforum and post.

Good luck

I've had a few VA. speeding tickets in the past (never more than one on my record at a time) and have never noticed an increase in my insurance. By the time you pay for the class and court costs you'll most likely be a little over $100 in the hole anyway. Plus when you consider time off from work to appear...I just don't see the point...

Thanks Hewlett, that seems to be the way I'm leaning towards now (pre-pay). The class I wouldn't mind but the courtroom doesn't sound like it's any fun from what I've heard. I'm going to check with my insurance agent to see if it would raise my rates.

Kevin,
If I were you, I'd go to court and plead no lo. Court isn't a big deal. You go in, sit for an hour or two, when your name is called you go to the front and the judge will ask for your plea. You enter your plea of no lo, the judge goes alright and sends you on your way. You pay your fine to the cashier (be sure to keep the receipt) and its over. All in all, it takes half a day. Once every five years you can plead no lo ... I wouldn't waste it. By pleading no lo you will ensure that there will be no points added to your record and your insurance won't go up.

I had no idea this would be such a controversial subject! My family has differing opinions too. I'm still thinking, and will post what I decide!

P.S. I told the cop this was my first ticket and he said I was cooperative and would mention that in court, and he mentioned the 8-hour class.

Court isn't a big deal. You go in, sit for an hour or two, when your name is called you go to the front and the judge will ask for your plea. You enter your plea of no lo, the judge goes alright and sends you on your way. You pay your fine to the cashier (be sure to keep the receipt) and its over. All in all, it takes half a day. Once every five years you can plead no lo ... I wouldn't waste it. By pleading no lo you will ensure that there will be no points added to your record and your insurance won't go up.

I didn't know that. So pleading no lo automatically means no points, just the fine?

So I'm leaning back towards the pre-pay... let me know what you think. I called my insurance company and they basically said I could get one ticket, no accidents every three years without my insurance going up. They also said it's a misconception that the class would erase the record of my speeding ticket to the insurance company, it would only get rid of the points (this seems incorrect to me!).

So, what I'm thinking is that I'm lucky and won't get another ticket in three years. And if I do, then I can go for my 2nd ticket and plead the nolo. And furthermore, if what the insurance told me was correct, then it won't matter anyway.

Originally Posted by hewlett

I didn't know that. So pleading no lo automatically means no points, just the fine?

Yep. Like I said, every five years you get the chance to plead "no lo". No points on your insurance, no admission of guilt, just the payment of the fine and sometimes the judge will even thank you for not dragging out the matter (pleading "not guilty" or totally skipping out on the ticket and going to court) and reduce the fine.

Pre-pay is fine ... but there will be points put on your record. Eventually, you get enough points and it will impact your car insurance, especially if you're under 25.

Kevin,
Well, you have to think about if you prepay the ticket and then you're in an accident within the next 3 years ... as your insurance agent has stated your rate will increase.

If you decide to prepay, be sure to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment when you send it, as well as a note requesting that a receipt be sent to you. Then hold onto this receipt ... you never know when you'll need it.

Later days

[lwpat]

Call the clerk of court and see if you are eligible for traffic school and the ticket not be entered on your record. If she says yes ask if they accept online traffic school. This is the best way to keep your insurance from going up and you save the deferment in case you receive another ticket. I would go this route even if you actually have to go to an 8hr. class but be sure that the ticket is not recorded on your MVR.

For more information
[url]http://www.trafficschoolonline.com/?lcode=4013[/url]

If you send in your money you will need to do it with a money order since most courts will not accept a personal check.