Going to a court to cut down on speeding ticket charges...Advice?

[Dehumanizer]

I'm not much of a speeder, but two months ago, I made the rookie mistake of going 44 in a 25 zone. The 1-2 punch of having a two-hour daily commute and only having my license for a little more than a year made this ticket inevitable. I received a cool $100 fine plus 3-4 points.

I'm going to court tomorrow to hopefully get a couple of points skimmed off. It's funny because I've talked to so many people about their experience when going to court, and almost everyone's experience and everyone's advice has been totally different. I suppose this is the time for everyone here to share their stories and advice. What should I expect? What should I plead?

This will be an interesting experience, and as unfortunate it was I received the ticket, I can't help but consider it somewhat positive. The tiny bit of speeding I did do before has been completely eliminated. All I care about right now is getting some of the points taken away, because the increase in insurance is criminal. And btw, I know some of you will advocate a lawyer, which I understand, but it's too late now with the court date being tomorrow. I'd appreciate other advice though.

[Dookus]

1. If it's your only ticket

just pay it and forget about it. ONE ticket doesn't do anything to you.

[HomeSchoolTeach]

2. Do NOT wear a suit. Do NOT try to look polished

Trust me. I did this. I got ticketed for making a right on red when there was a sign that was obscured by tree branches.
I took pictures of the sign, I wore a suit, I disputed the officer's account. You know what happened? I got NOTHING taken off. Instead I got scolded by the judge.
I should have known.
Two cases before mine, there was this unkempt guy (looked like a homeless guy who hadn't shaved in four days) who admitted to running a stoplight, then stopped after he was all the way through, then kept going. The judge called it an honest mistake and let this bum go, dismissing the fine and the ticket.
I had a legitimate case and I tried to make it. I later found out this judge was notorious for his leniency towards blatant offenders.
The man had an agenda, clearly.
So my advice? Dress poorly, don't take a bath for a week, admit sheepishly that you did it.

[JHB]

9. I'd say that's something that strongly depends on...

...the judge one draws. You got a sucker for Sad Sacks, but another judge might favor someone who had their act together (like you did).

Just don't be a mouthy, time-wasting jerk and do the best you know how.

[AngryAmish]

3. Look to see if your police officer is in court

If not, they have no witness and you walk (unless the give the state a continuance but that is unlikely).

So, get there 15 minutes early and tell the court clerk that you are there. Dress nice, like someone working at Best Buy.

Then, ask who the prosecuting atty is. Ask them what kind of deal they propose. They will try to intimidate you - don't buy it. If they are in traffic court they are probably pretty new to the game themselves. ASK FOR SUPERVISION - in my state it means no record of the ticket goes to the DMV. Ask for a break - say you are new to a job, are broke, have a pregnant iguana at home, etc. But be nice and respectful. If you are clean cut and respectful, they may cut you a break.

Before you accept any offer, look to see if the police officer is there. If you don't remember what they look like, look for name and or star number on the ticket. If you can't make it out, ask the prosecuting atty if the witness is there. They will probably tell you.

Smile. Most people are grumpy about being in court. Never tell anyone it is BS - especially not the judge. Be nice. It works.

BTW: do not follow the previous advice (except for the no suit part. Think khakis.

[KissMyAsscroft]

4. Look very apologetic...

Be super polite and admit that you did it, sheepishly...

The prosecutors and judges hate smug assholes. If you are geniuinely polite and apologetic they will cut you some slack.

[Nite Owl]

What about one of those

Defensive Driving courses. My son took one to get the points removed from his license. And yes if there is a next time get a lawyer right away. You don't even have to go to court. My other son just got his first ticket for 43 in a thirty. Cost him though. $175 for the lawyer and $100 for the ticket, reduced to parking on pavement.

[Nite Owl]

5. What about one of those

Defensive Driving courses. My son took one to get the points removed from his license. And yes if there is a next time get a lawyer right away. You don't even have to go to court. My other son just got his first ticket for 43 in a thirty. Cost him though. $175 for the lawyer and $100 for the ticket, reduced to parking on pavement.

[jcldragon]

6. ...

I usually get by with my nice guy routine, which happens to be the fact. I resist the urge to do stand-up comedy, although I do employ all of my training as an actor. Results in court depend upon how you are percieved. Judges vary in character, intelligence & temperament, as well as do localities.

Traffic School is always a good choise when avaiable. In California traffic school wipes the record.

I suspect you are young, so I must advise you not to speed, because you need a lot of experience with cars & road conditions, before you will understand when it is safe to break rules...

[Endangered Specie]

8. Here is a simple formula...

Take the speed limit and add X % (Y is number of years youve driven) where X=Y from Y=<0,25>, and for Y=<30...> let X = 25-Y (to account for age). THis is "your speed"

btw Welcome to DU

[Bossy Monkey]

7. Generally the prosecutor/county attorney/whatever

will ask you if you have a clean driving record for the last x years, then offer you a deal where you plead to a lesser charge, pay a slightly lower fine and get fewer or no points. Say yes, pay, leave.

The reason you're getting varied advice is because the situation is different from court to court, from municipality to municipality, and from judge to judge. However, on average, the picture I've sketched above is what you'll most likely see. In sum, follow the advice to dress neatly and act politely. Ignore the advice to dress like a bum. Best strategy is probably not to speak unless spoken to. Good luck!