What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY
I am always a rule follower, but this one time because I panicked I messed up and now am scared to death I'm going to get points because of it. My house had been hit with a stomach bug - 2 out of 4 children quite sick - and my mom who lives with us that I take care of was sick and having other health issues with pain and her heart along with it. I had ran out to grab some survival things for my husband and me to keep taking care of everyone, but I took his car because mine wasn't working. I keep my earpiece in my car though and forgot to grab it when I left.
On the way home, he called to see where I was. When I saw him come up on caller ID, I panicked when I realized I didn't have my ear piece and answered "what's wrong?" I didn't know if I needed to turn around because now there was something else we needed to get through or if I needed to be aware that they were waiting for the paramedics to get there for my mom as that had been touch and go all morning.
It was quickly established I just needed to get home and I hung up. That quickly I got popped and got a ticket for operating a mobile device. While I understand I did, I am a basket case because I don't want to get 5 points or whatever it is for panicking and taking an urgent phone call for less than a minute. I can't afford to have my insurance go up as becoming responsible for my mom has greatly affected us financially. I can't work because I need to take care of her.
I don't even know how to fill out the ticket to drop it off. If I put Guilty with explanation, they will assign a fee and DMV will determine points. If I put Not Guilty, that's not true because it isn't like the officer said I used the phone and I didn't at all.
How do I handle this?
I am always a rule follower, but this one time because I panicked I messed up and now am scared to death I'm going to get points because of it. My house had been hit with a stomach bug - 2 out of 4 children quite sick - and my mom who lives with us that I take care of was sick and having other health issues with pain and her heart along with it. I had ran out to grab some survival things for my husband and me to keep taking care of everyone, but I took his car because mine wasn't working. I keep my earpiece in my car though and forgot to grab it when I left.
On the way home, he called to see where I was. When I saw him come up on caller ID, I panicked when I realized I didn't have my ear piece and answered "what's wrong?" I didn't know if I needed to turn around because now there was something else we needed to get through or if I needed to be aware that they were waiting for the paramedics to get there for my mom as that had been touch and go all morning.
It was quickly established I just needed to get home and I hung up. That quickly I got popped and got a ticket for operating a mobile device. While I understand I did, I am a basket case because I don't want to get 5 points or whatever it is for panicking and taking an urgent phone call for less than a minute. I can't afford to have my insurance go up as becoming responsible for my mom has greatly affected us financially. I can't work because I need to take care of her.
I don't even know how to fill out the ticket to drop it off. If I put Guilty with explanation, they will assign a fee and DMV will determine points. If I put Not Guilty, that's not true because it isn't like the officer said I used the phone and I didn't at all.
How do I handle this?