Making double stops for cops, isusually bad idea,but in this case it seemed okay. You really have no right to find out if the cop cited the other motorist and depending on the judge, it may or may not be talked about in court even if you bring it up.

Some judges get pissed when you bring something to court, just to hope for a lesser sentance, some don't mind, some won't let you go to traffic school if you fight it, some will. Trafficschool is not a RIGHT and a judge can prevent you from going simply becaus ehe feels like it and he doesn't have to offer any explanation. If you go to the court house and ask the clerks, most likely they will give you some pointers on what kind of judge the guy is. Just straight up ask them. If they won't say then you're playing with game and you may get screwed.

If the paperwork the court sends you says you can go to traffic school, do it. In CA people with Class A commercial licenses cannot go to traffic school anymore, and 80 in a 55 is considered a serious traffic offense with enhanced penalties just because of your CDL(this may apply only in a comercial vehicle).

Good luck

 

Hmmm, its been awhile since I've had to appear, like 11 years ago. The city cops didn't show up, but on another occasion, the state trooper did show up and actuallyspoke up for me. In the case involving the trooper, I had a lawyer involved, so that may have had something to do with it.

Sarge, I'm thinking that talking to the DA is the best route, but what's the best thing to say to him/her? Do I simply deny speeding altogether, or should I explain the situation as it actually happened?

 

Damn. Now you have me wondering if I should let a lawyer take over...you're right 80 in a 55 is pretty serious.
Fwiw, I live in NC.

 

see it all depends on your city
all troopers apear but most cops dont

do it wha harm comes of it??

 

In NY, the State Troopers aren't allowed to plea bargain in court. Gov. Pataki made that law before he left office as a way to reduce overtime. Last ticket I got was an 85 in a 55 (in my STI). I plead not guilty and mailed the ticket in. ONE YEAR LATER, I got my court date. DA looked at my clean record and offered me a failure to obey a traffic control device, which is points on my license and it would have affected my insurance rates. I kindly asked for a seatbelt violation, which is no points and does not affect insurance. He hemmed and hawed and I repeated "clean license" and he said OK. I never denied I was going 85. I just asked for him to lower it to the least intrusive infraction he could - and he did. I was like the last one in, so I think he just wanted to GTFO of Dodge, but whatever.

In any event, invest in a Valentine One - they rock.

 

I've stood in front of a judge 1,000 times and I have never seen a lawyer get a ticket dismissed unless the officer did not show up.

I have seen several times, the judge reducing it to something else that does not have any points associated with it, with the same fine remaining (if the officer agrees). Sometimes when dealing with la awyer for a ticket in excess of 100 mph (2 points in California, same as DUI) they want the citation reduced to under 100 mph. Usually I haven't agreed unless they agree to. . .

No traffic school and double the fine. Ouch!!! sounds bad doesn't it?

That got the defendant 1 point on their record (not 2)and they can keep their license for the next 30 days instead of walking and if they get another over 100 mph ticker (which happened often) it did not count as a prior and less insurance costs.

 

first thing is plea not guilty. everytime i have plead not guilty they always reduce it by one lesser charge. i have had prosecuters come out and say they will do that for you. and the cop doesnt have to give any chick a ticket and there is nothing you can do. it just sucks, at least we dont get periods.

 

I wouldn't say anything about what happened. All he asked me is what I would like to plea, no contest, guilty or not guilty. I always said no contest and asked for deferred adjudication.

 

shoulda showed him your dick, i bet pork chop woulda liked that.

to the dude in Cali...your justice system is 100% different than anywhere else...they crush your car b/c they think your racing....i say fight the **** out of it...i fought mine paid the full fine, and then turns out the judge / DA was imbezzeling money, and everyones record from point A-B was fixxed....happy ending from a douche bag

 

Stone- I have a commercial license as well (class B)

Some laws to consider that went into effect as of 2007..

1. A commercial licenced driver is not elligable for traffic school.
2. A first conviction DUI/DWI will result in a suspended commercial license for one year
3. Two speeding tickets within a three year period(15mph over the limit) will result in a suspended commercial license for 60 days
4. The .04 alcohol level now applies to your personal vehicle as well...

These are not state laws, because DOT laws are inacted in Washington...

I got a ticket two months ago....I was doing 93mph in a 70mph zone (Interstate 5)....I would have gone to court and fought it, because since we are unable to attend traffic school , we essentially have nothing to lose....In my case, the citation happened 250miles South of where I live, and I was'nt about to call off from work, spend close to $100 in gas for a slim chance that the cop might not show....So I bit the bullet($271)[:@] My advise is to fight it, and hope the cop does'nt show....Ask for a couple extensions for a court date, hopefully by then the cop won't have a solid recollection as to what happened and puss out..

As for the MILF, I'm sure she worked out a deal with the officer that same night[:-]