What is the name of your state? NC
The circumstances:
I am a relatively new driver and 26 years old. I commute about 65 miles one way currently.
I was coming back home from on NC-64 at about 7 in the evening.
I have a completely clean record (no tickets, no accidents, no other criminal charges).
Unfortunately I do not have a very long driving history, since before I lived within walking distance to everything in California and got my license when I came to NC.
I was driving out of a 65 mph zone by Pittsboro, at which point I remember dropping my speed down to 60 in the 55mph zone ( I do speed, not denying it, but I try to stay within 5-8 mph of posted limit). Now I had worked a really long day so I was pretty tired and I was focusing on driving and I was not paying very close attention to my speedometer. Bad, I know (or maybe I'm just beginning to really find out). I was planning on pulling off for a break in Siler City... Just as I was slowing down for the 45 mph zone entering Siler City, it started getting dark and I had a car right behind me so I reached up to flip my rearview for night time and then he hit his lights. I was still in a 55mph zone doing about 50. Signaled over and pulled off.
I was polite and courteous and at no time admitted to speeding or going that speed. In all honesty I didn't observe my speed at any time to be over 60 but I was only checking about 1/2 as often as I normally would have. There are some hills and it is possible with my car to have had it get going without my catching and off again on the next incline. I didn't pass any cars but there were not many so I can't really gauge that, either. My car has pretty cheap tires so anything at about 65-70 is really noticeable and I don't recall that happening but since I was so tired I'm not going to say otherwise and presume I screwed up.
The state trooper gave me my ticket and a lecture on how it was close to reckless driving and really too fast to be going on that road with the deer, and that it was a mandatory court appearance and that actually is in my best interest. He also said that I should go and ask for leniency. He didn't specify how he had clocked me but I presume it was radar (the speed on the ticket has an R in front of it).
I am willing to accept the fines without any reservation, I should have been doing a better job of paying attention to my speed. The insurance points seem a bit harsh but even that I can understand. What would really be a serious issue for me is a 30 day revocation given that there is no public transportation for me to get to and from work. Also I'd like to avoid a misdemeanor conviction if possible as my work requires me to maintain a security clearance and while that is not likely to be a problem it could be.
At this point I am planning on retaining an attorney in Chatham County to represent me, but I wanted to get general advice on how to pick the attorney as well as what my chances are of avoiding a revocation?
Is a prayer for judgement (PJC) something that might be possible in this case?
Or is it likely they will allow me to plead down to a lesser speed?
Thanks in advance,
Lucas
The circumstances:
I am a relatively new driver and 26 years old. I commute about 65 miles one way currently.
I was coming back home from on NC-64 at about 7 in the evening.
I have a completely clean record (no tickets, no accidents, no other criminal charges).
Unfortunately I do not have a very long driving history, since before I lived within walking distance to everything in California and got my license when I came to NC.
I was driving out of a 65 mph zone by Pittsboro, at which point I remember dropping my speed down to 60 in the 55mph zone ( I do speed, not denying it, but I try to stay within 5-8 mph of posted limit). Now I had worked a really long day so I was pretty tired and I was focusing on driving and I was not paying very close attention to my speedometer. Bad, I know (or maybe I'm just beginning to really find out). I was planning on pulling off for a break in Siler City... Just as I was slowing down for the 45 mph zone entering Siler City, it started getting dark and I had a car right behind me so I reached up to flip my rearview for night time and then he hit his lights. I was still in a 55mph zone doing about 50. Signaled over and pulled off.
I was polite and courteous and at no time admitted to speeding or going that speed. In all honesty I didn't observe my speed at any time to be over 60 but I was only checking about 1/2 as often as I normally would have. There are some hills and it is possible with my car to have had it get going without my catching and off again on the next incline. I didn't pass any cars but there were not many so I can't really gauge that, either. My car has pretty cheap tires so anything at about 65-70 is really noticeable and I don't recall that happening but since I was so tired I'm not going to say otherwise and presume I screwed up.
The state trooper gave me my ticket and a lecture on how it was close to reckless driving and really too fast to be going on that road with the deer, and that it was a mandatory court appearance and that actually is in my best interest. He also said that I should go and ask for leniency. He didn't specify how he had clocked me but I presume it was radar (the speed on the ticket has an R in front of it).
I am willing to accept the fines without any reservation, I should have been doing a better job of paying attention to my speed. The insurance points seem a bit harsh but even that I can understand. What would really be a serious issue for me is a 30 day revocation given that there is no public transportation for me to get to and from work. Also I'd like to avoid a misdemeanor conviction if possible as my work requires me to maintain a security clearance and while that is not likely to be a problem it could be.
At this point I am planning on retaining an attorney in Chatham County to represent me, but I wanted to get general advice on how to pick the attorney as well as what my chances are of avoiding a revocation?
Is a prayer for judgement (PJC) something that might be possible in this case?
Or is it likely they will allow me to plead down to a lesser speed?
Thanks in advance,
Lucas