notjaredlouche
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey
Earlier today I was pulled over at my local community college for speeding. When the officer asked for my documents, I produced my license and registration, but could not find my current insurance card (I had about 3 older ones, one of which was valid until the date this happened, actually). The officer asked me if I was definitely insured and I said "yes". I was not aware of the statute and assumed they could just look it up on the computer. A few minutes passed, I received a warning for the speeding, but received a ticket for "Failure to exhibit documents" (NJSA 39:3:29b).
At this time I presented the older insurance card which expired on that very day, and the officer said something to the effect of "eh, you should have shown me that earlier, but hey, I already wrote the ticket". The officer then instructed me to call the municipal court to plead "not guilty" and then talk to the prosecutor when I arrive, show him my current insurance card and he should dismiss/reduce the charges.
My question is: Am I really "not guilty" if I was not able to produce my card at the correct time, but did posess valid insurance? I feel leery about pleading not guilty when it seems like I'm considered at fault. After reading the statute it seems I am definitely at fault but it is likely that charges will be reduced or dropped.
Earlier today I was pulled over at my local community college for speeding. When the officer asked for my documents, I produced my license and registration, but could not find my current insurance card (I had about 3 older ones, one of which was valid until the date this happened, actually). The officer asked me if I was definitely insured and I said "yes". I was not aware of the statute and assumed they could just look it up on the computer. A few minutes passed, I received a warning for the speeding, but received a ticket for "Failure to exhibit documents" (NJSA 39:3:29b).
At this time I presented the older insurance card which expired on that very day, and the officer said something to the effect of "eh, you should have shown me that earlier, but hey, I already wrote the ticket". The officer then instructed me to call the municipal court to plead "not guilty" and then talk to the prosecutor when I arrive, show him my current insurance card and he should dismiss/reduce the charges.
My question is: Am I really "not guilty" if I was not able to produce my card at the correct time, but did posess valid insurance? I feel leery about pleading not guilty when it seems like I'm considered at fault. After reading the statute it seems I am definitely at fault but it is likely that charges will be reduced or dropped.