Speeding dispute by mail

[JJPP]

What is the name of your state?MA

I recently got a speeding ticket for going 48 in a 35 mph zone. There were no speed limit signs in the area and I have pictures to prove it. The only problem is that I live in VA and can't go up to MA to fight the ticket in person.
On the back of the ticket it doesn't give an option to fight by mail. It just says we can plead guilty and send a check OR plead innocent and a court date will be granted. We don't want to be fined for missing a court date. Can someone please tell me if I can fight this ticket by mail and if so, how?

 

[seniorjudge]

If you want a trial, you plead not guilty and go to the state where you got the ticket and have a trial.

If you want to plead guilty, you sign your ticket and send in the dough.

 

[JJPP]

Okay, so justice doesn't always happen. Out of curiosity, are all states like that (can't dispute speeding tickets by mail)?

 

[racer72]

I sure hope you don't plan to use the lack of speed limit signs as a defense to your citation. Massachusetts, like all other states, set maximum speed limits on roads that do not contain speed limit signs, it is spelled out under MLG Chapter 90, section 17.

 

[Pugilist]

A trial by mail is called "trial by declaration." Not all states allow it, but MA may - I don't know for sure. But you can find out by Google'ing the term and the name of the state.

As to defending the ticket, I can think of two defenses.

1. The lack of a posted limit.

2. If the officer used radar, see if MA has a "speed trap" law (which will set out rules the police have to follow if they're using radar.

You can also get books, at your library in VA, on fighting tickets.

Pug