questions about traffic court

[ajm62]

What is the name of your state? pennsylvania

I got a speeding ticket on Rt. 80 going east in Williamsport, 70 in 55. any hints about the proceedings of traffic court? i've heard some people say that they've gotten their fees reduced. is this something you can just ask the judge? what's kinds of reasons are acceptable? i mean, i think what happened to me was that i was looking for my exit, because i've missed it before, and i sped up because it's a big road, one that would usually have a 65 mph limit. i'm a student in grad school without much money to spare, and it's my first offense. might a judge sympathize with me? is there anything else i can say that might help?

thanks, if you can answer any of the above!What is the name of your state?

[lwpat]

Show up in court and ask for a reduction to a no points ticket. Each court is different.

[loulblades]

My experience has been that you need to approach the officer before the hearing starts.

[MikeKV]

Originally Posted by loulblades

My experience has been that you need to approach the officer before the hearing starts.

Could you elaborate on your suggestion to approach the officer before the hearing? While I agree with your suggestion I think approaching an officer can create a very uncomfortable situation (for both parties) depending upon what is said. If you don't say the right thing you can really hurt your chances. What exactly should be said or asked?

[seniorjudge]

Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts or caps.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat. (Smokers...pot or tobacco...literally stink. Remember that before you head for court.)

Bathe and wash your hair.

Do not bring small children or your friends.

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 that the ticket not go on your record, if applicable. Ask also about getting a hardship driving permit, if applicable. Ask about drug court, if applicable.

From marbol:

“Judge...

You forgot the one thing that I've seen that seems to frizz up most judges these days:

If you have a cell phone, make DAMN SURE that it doesn't make ANY noise in the courtroom. This means when you are talking to the judge AND when you are simply sitting in the court room.

If you have a ‘vibrate’ position on your cell phone, MAKE sure the judge DOESN'T EVEN HEAR IT VIBRATE!

Turn it off or put it in silent mode where it flashes a LED if it rings. AND DON'T even DREAM about answering it if it rings.”

(Better yet, don’t carry your cell phone into the courtroom.)”


Here are seven 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/wife/ex-wife/niece/grandma/grand-daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled/crazy and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job/military posting in [name a place five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this. (This conflicts with number 5 below, but that hasn’t stopped some defendants from using both.)

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.” Or, another variation: “I was forced into it by a bad guy!”)

6. I was influenced by a bad crowd.

7. I/my kid/my whatever has surgery scheduled.


[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.

[racer72]

Originally Posted by loulblades

My experience has been that you need to approach the officer before the hearing starts.

The officer has no control over the charges brought against you and what will happen in court, his sole purpose of being in court is to be a witness against you. If you want to talk to someone, the prosecutor would be a much better choice. That is the person that can make changes to the charges and agree to lesser charges and fines.

[loulblades]

Originally Posted by racer72

The officer has no control over the charges brought against you and what will happen in court, his sole purpose of being in court is to be a witness against you. If you want to talk to someone, the prosecutor would be a much better choice. That is the person that can make changes to the charges and agree to lesser charges and fines.

In PA the officer has much to do with it. The prosecutor is very seldom at the hearing, only the magistrate (judge) and the officer. This is not speculation regarding negotiating with the officer, I am speaking from experience.

[FlyingRon]

Originally Posted by loulblades

In PA the officer has much to do with it. The prosecutor is very seldom at the hearing, only the magistrate (judge) and the officer. This is not speculation regarding negotiating with the officer, I am speaking from experience.

Yes, I believe they only bring in one of the prosecutors if you bring your attorney (like to keep the playing field level).

[loulblades]

Originally Posted by FlyingRon

Yes, I believe they only bring in one of the prosecutors if you bring your attorney (like to keep the playing field level).

Not even sure about that. Unless the hearing takes place at the county seat, the prosecutor would'nt generally be close by.

The only time a prosecutor got involved in one of my hearings was when the magistrate had a legal question after I requested dismissal based on case law. I was provided a ruling later in the day.