Reducing a speeding ticket

[dc243]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota
I recently got a speeding ticket going 76 in a 55 mph zone from a state trooper speed trap. I was going around 63 mph in the left lane and the cars started to tailgate very close behind me. I had to speed up to pass the cars in the right lane to let the vehicles in the left lane pass by me. The problem is that while doing this, I was clocked by the officer at the exact moment of merging to the right lane. I told him the reason why I was going over the speed limit, and that I didn't know the exact speed I was driving while merging to the right lane. He saw the whole thing, but still said it doesn't matter, you were still going 76 in a 55mph zone. I don't mind paying for a reduced speeding ticket of 63mph, but he wouldn't even reduce it! My driving record is clean for the last 9 years.
How do I get it reduced? I have already arranged for a court date.
Thanks,
Dan

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.


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]

Other people may give you other advice; stand by.

[dc243]

Thank you Seniorjudge for the reply. I have never been to court and you have made some excellent points.

[lwpat]

Thank you Seniorjudge for the reply. I have never been to court and you have made some excellent points.

Brownie points! Brownie points!

You're right. This is good advice. The only thing I would add is to ask about traffic school and the ticket not go on your record.

[dc243]

Alright Iwpat, I can take the heat, but I do appreciate the info given. Looks like I will be going to the court house before my trial date to see what can be worked out.