What is the name of your state? North Carolina
On Interstate 85, late night, driving from Greensboro to Charlotte, I was given a ticket for speeding (79 in a 65) and the police officer told me that my liscence was showing as suspended/revoked.
The liscence suspension was in the NC DMV database for not having paid a speeding ticket from two years prior. The situation was resolved the next day. (with $110 payment, and a new liscence from the DMV)
But when my case was called before the judge it was as a speeding violation with a suspended/revoked liscence. I was asked if I , had a lawyer, needed a state lawyer or would defend myself....
I've only been in a court of law one other time, so out of ignorance, fear or whatever, I told the judge that I would defend myself.
With the pending court date next month, I'm concerned that this may have been a foolish decision. Can I still have a lawyer to handle my case even after my statement to the judge? If found guilty, what are the penalties, costs...?
I was pulled around 11:30pm on I-85, and in all honesty, I had the cruise control set at 70. My foot was resting on the gas pedal. ( btw...I wear a size 12 shoe) and I was simply caught up in conversation with my passenger and watching for deer along the side of the road, not paying attention to my speed.
Deer have been a life threatening hazard in the last few years. We saw 3 dead deer on the highway during the trip to Charlotte, and on the trip home the next day, 3 deer ran across the highway about 50 feet in front of us.
ANY feedback, guidance etc is greatly appreciated.
JSims
On Interstate 85, late night, driving from Greensboro to Charlotte, I was given a ticket for speeding (79 in a 65) and the police officer told me that my liscence was showing as suspended/revoked.
The liscence suspension was in the NC DMV database for not having paid a speeding ticket from two years prior. The situation was resolved the next day. (with $110 payment, and a new liscence from the DMV)
But when my case was called before the judge it was as a speeding violation with a suspended/revoked liscence. I was asked if I , had a lawyer, needed a state lawyer or would defend myself....
I've only been in a court of law one other time, so out of ignorance, fear or whatever, I told the judge that I would defend myself.
With the pending court date next month, I'm concerned that this may have been a foolish decision. Can I still have a lawyer to handle my case even after my statement to the judge? If found guilty, what are the penalties, costs...?
I was pulled around 11:30pm on I-85, and in all honesty, I had the cruise control set at 70. My foot was resting on the gas pedal. ( btw...I wear a size 12 shoe) and I was simply caught up in conversation with my passenger and watching for deer along the side of the road, not paying attention to my speed.
Deer have been a life threatening hazard in the last few years. We saw 3 dead deer on the highway during the trip to Charlotte, and on the trip home the next day, 3 deer ran across the highway about 50 feet in front of us.
ANY feedback, guidance etc is greatly appreciated.
JSims