Speeding ticket

What is the name of your state? Texas

I received a speeding ticket for going 29 mph over the speed limit. This means I cannot take defensive driving. I haven't had a ticket in > 5 years. I entered a plea of not guilty because I was not going 84mph.....I had my cruise control on at 70 mph. I thought that was the speed limit. The court date is set to a date during which I will be out of the state. Can I change my plea to no contest and pay the fine? The county clerk is not helpful and will not let me talk to the judge. I don't know what my options are. Please help.

[lwpat]

If you are going to be out of the state you can request a continuance. You may need a letter from your employer but usually one continuance is automatic. Be sure to make your request in writing immediately.

One option is to find out what shift the officer works and meet him at the station or if it is a trooper they will usually return your call. Plead your case and see if he will reduce the citation.

It is not unusual for the clerk to not let you talk to the judge on the phone. You can always try a personal visit. Some judges will talk to you prior to trial, others won't.

Texas allows jury trials and also discovery at the traffic court level. If you have the time you can go that route. Most courts don't want to try a traffic ticket in front of a jury so they may offer traffic school or a reduction when they see you are serious about fighting the ticket.

If all else fails, hire an attorney. Send me an email and I can send you some URLs or you can try the link on this site.

NOTICE- The author of this post is not an attorney. The
information presented here is the result of the authors
research and thirty years experience in the legal codes,
cases and practices of the States of North and South Carolina,
and the county in which author resides and is for general
information only. Be advised the legal codes, cases, and
practices of any other state or county could vary greatly.
If you need legal advice contact an attorney.