Just got 1st ticket...very scared!

This was the first time in my 10 years of driving that I have ever been pulled over. He said I was going 61 in a 45. I am in NC and I have read that if you are convicted of speeding over 10mph of the limit and going over 55mph (both of which I was) then your license will be suspended for 30 days. I am hoping this will not be the case because of my clean driving record.
I have to go to court...I have no choice. He gave me a court date and time right on the spot.
He also said I will meet with the DA and then the judge. Has anyone else ever had this experience? What should I except? What should I say or plead? I am so confused and very very upset. Thanks for any help.

[Robbie0723]

Read the links below for how it works, there are two points systems in NC, one for your driving licence and one for your insurance.

You should give a few traffic attorney's a call. You will get a bunch of letters in the mail in a few days offering to represent you.

If you have no previous violations, they can plea it down for you, go to court for you and save you insurance money in the long run.

An attorney can advise when a plea to a reduced speed or violation, a prayer for judgment continued (PJC), or other options that may be available and in a person's best interest.

[URL=http://www.ncdoi.com/consumer/Publications/Automobile/Safe%20Driver%20Incentive%20Plan.pdf]NC Safe Driver Incentive Plan [/URL]

[URL=http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/legal_services/legaldocs/Trafficpoints.htm]NC Traffics and insurance Points [/URL]

The NC speeding laws are the most strict in the nation. You get 3 insurance points for killing somebody in an at fault accident but can get four points for doing 76 in a 65...

Don't loose any sleep over it. Thousands of people a day get these. They really just want people to stay within the speed limits for everyone's safety. Slow down and pay attention to your speed in the future.

If you don't mind, let us know roughly where the ticket was given and what agency gave it.

Originally Posted by Robbie0723

Read the links below for how it works, there are two points systems in NC, one for your driving licence and one for your insurance.

You should give a few ticket fix attorney's a call. You will get a bunch of letters in the mail in a few days offering to represent you.

If you have no previous violations, they can plea it down for you, go to court for you and save you insurance money in the long run.

An attorney can advise when a plea to a reduced speed or violation, a prayer for judgment continued (PJC), or other options that may be available and in a person's best interest.

[URL=http://www.ncdoi.com/consumer/Publications/Automobile/Safe%20Driver%20Incentive%20Plan.pdf]NC Safe Driver Incentive Plan [/URL]

[URL=http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/legal_services/legaldocs/Trafficpoints.htm]NC Traffics and insurance Points [/URL]

The NC speeding laws are the most strict in the nation. You get 3 insurance points for killing somebody in an at fault accident but can get four points for doing 76 in a 65...

Dont loose any sleep over it. Slow down and pay attention to your speed in the future.

If you don't mind, let us know roughly where the ticket was given and what agency gave it.

Thanks for you advise. I am so upset about this....I have been crying and stressing out about it all day. I have never had any trouble with the law before and I am scared. These things are very important to me. I am hoping that in the next few days the shock and scare will start to wear off. I feel like a baby.

Could a lawyer do a better job at getting my ticket reduced than I can? Do you have any idea of what a lawyer would cost for this? Someone told me that it will probably be reduced to 54 in a 45 and I won't get any points.

I have never been to court before and I am so clueless as what to do/say when I get there. The officer told me that I will meet with a DA first...I have no idea why.

Thanks again for your advise...I really appreciate it.

Oh and the ticket was given in Charlotte...I have no idea what agency it was...the whole thing is a blur.

[Robbie0723]

I hope you are feeling better by now. Like all things this will pass.

Based on your questions, I still suggest you talk to a lawyer. Odds are it will save you money in the long run not to mention the stress it will let you avoid.

You might even want to visit traffic court to see how things work and get a better idea if you need help. It is good education.