Speeding Ticket in WI

[mtf1979]

Hi, I'm a Wisconsin resident (I live in Milwaukee) and I got a speeding ticket in Milwaukee. I was going 20 over (70mph in a 50mph zone) and the ticket is $214.70 and 6-points.

I've called around to a bunch of law offices, and they all tell me the same thing: they can get the ticket changed to a 2-point "defective speedometer" violation, and the fine will increase to $300.

My question is, is it worth it? Before this violation, I had zero violation points. So I'll still have 6-points left even if they take the full 6-points for this one.

Anyone know the implications for insurance costs? That's what I'm really most interested in. Is there any difference between a 2-point or 6-point violation when an insurance company performs its audit?

Thanks,
Mike

[moburkes]

Your insurance agent can tell you the difference. They can run a quote either way, and tell you the cost. Until the charge is on your driving record, they won't count it against you. There is no harm in calling and asking.

[FlyingRon]

Originally Posted by mtf1979

Anyone know the implications for insurance costs? That's what I'm really most interested in. Is there any difference between a 2-point or 6-point violation when an insurance company performs its audit?

Depends on your insurance company. They rarely "count points" but usually group offenses into their own categories. Whether an equipment violation is counted less than a 20-over ticket is up to them. You might find some information in your insurance documents or their website.

[mtf1979]

Indeed. Thanks for the replies, guys.

I called my insurance company, and you were absolutely right. As it turns out, they don't make any distinction between a speeding ticket (of any type) and an equipment violation. Same insurance increase either way.

So I guess I have a bit of a conundrum. From what I've learned from talking to lawyers my area, it sounds like there's an outside chance that this one "nicer guy" might be managing the courtroom tomorrow. And if he's there, I might be able to get this ticket reduced to a 0-point violation and have no insurance increase. The problem is, if the "nice guy" isn't there, and they just offer me the standard defective speedometer violation, I'll end up with exactly the same insurance increase AND a bigger overall ticket ($214 --> $300).

Anybody know if I can show up in court, see what they offer me, and if I don't like it, just pay the original ticket? I wouldn't want to enter a plea and have to come back for an official court date.

[seniorjudge]

...Anybody know if I can show up in court, see what they offer me, and if I don't like it, just pay the original ticket? I wouldn't want to enter a plea and have to come back for an official court date....


You need to go to court a week or so early and find out answers like this.

Most traffic courts are run like warehouses.

If you want to plead not guilty and then talk to a prosecutor about a plea bargain, you will get put at the end of the line or told to come back in a month or so.