Should I go to court?

[babbtong]

What is the name of your state? Maryland

Hi, I just received a speeding ticket the other day...it states I was going 83 mph in a 65 mph zone. My record isn't the best, seeing as how I have been in 2 accidents and received one ticket for making an illegal left turn. Seeing as how I am 19, I was wondering if there is any point in going to trial for this ticket. I don't have much of a defense, but what are the chances that a judge will show me leniency?

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.”)

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Other people may give you other advice; stand by.