Speeding Ticket Advice

So, I got my FIRST speeding ticket today. I went a different route to work today, was late, and go figure--there was a cop hiding out. I was going 35 MPH, but it was in a 20 school zone. Since it was a school zone, they doubled the ticket price to $500. Gross, I know.

Here's the thing: I've only past by this school a few times ( i usually take backroads to work), and each time it was completely EMPTY; I am unfamiliar with the town, I thought the school was closed down. The town's speed limit is 35, so I really thought I was going the speed limit.

Should I even bother telling that story in court, or will they think it's just made up?

You should definitely go to court and tell them. If this is your first they will knock it down to reckless driving or something and you'll still have to pay but I think it gets reduced and no points.

My FH just got a speeding ticket and we went to court and they did this for him thats how I know.

We are in NJ though - not sure if its different. Good luck!

What court do you have to go too?

Also IMO I would plead not guilty. If it is your first offense they will probably plea bargain it down for you. Which could result in less (or no) points and a lesser fine.

I don't think it's a question of them ebelieveing that or not, even if they believe you it doesn't make you less guilty of speeding since you were going over the speed limit.

And I say that with the most sympathy because I speed everywhere. So this totally *****, and I'm sorry.

I'd still go to court though and hope the cop doesn't show. Also, did you check the ticket carefully to make sure all the information is there an absolutely correct?

im not too sure if the courts are the same.
we had to go to court for dhs work truck and i was listening to the other people and they were able to make pretty good deals.

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Posted by JLWSJC

I don't think it's a question of them ebelieveing that or not, even if they believe you it doesn't make you less guilty of speeding since you were going over the speed limit.

And I say that with the most sympathy because I speed everywhere. So this totally *****, and I'm sorry.

I'd still go to court though and hope the cop doesn't show. Also, did you check the ticket carefully to make sure all the information is there an absolutely correct?

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haha, i know--speeding is speeding. I checked the ticket front and back before I even signed it. he seemed kind of annoyed that i read every single line.

also, i live in ohio, so i'm not really sure how everything works here (i just got an ohio license in july). i'm so nervous about this esp. since i'm moving soon and have to change insurance policies! thanks for all of your advice, ladies .

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Posted by elp6421

Not sure if NY does this but I know in florida they have the ticket doctor which can pretty much erase any ticket.

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what the heck is a ticket doctor? that sounds pretty amazing.

ALWAYS ATTEMPT TO FIGHT IT!!!

You will probably not get the points and the cop might not even show up!! So worth the hassle!!

You can try your luck in court, but every county is different...I know in Nassau I can almost always get a plea down to an equipment violation or turning w/o a signal...but in Suffolk we postponed for a year and a half and then just had to pray that the cop didn't show...they don't plea bargain. The cop showed and now I've got 6 points on my license.

I always try though...the worst they say is no and you're stuck with what you've got right now.

i've always plead not guilty and had them reduced.

however, a school zone is a school zone and it's 20 mph all across the board. they're not going to hear the last part of your 'excuse' but still go in and fight it.

it's your 1st offense....it'll def. get reduced.

good luck

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Posted by silke

I have a family full of cops and unfortunately the only way to get off is if the cop doesnt show up for court. Other than that, since its school related, it doeant matter, the judge may bring the charge down but your still going to get a moving violation. Sorry, I wish I had something better for you.

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I 100% appreciate the honesty :).

I downloaded a 'beat the speeding ticket' book. I had to pay for it, but never really used it.

FM me with your e-mail and I will send it to you. It cant hurt and im happy to help if I can.

Sorry for the ticket!!

(insert throw up emoticon here)

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Posted by GracieJMay2010

I downloaded a 'beat the speeding ticket' book. I had to pay for it, but never really used it.

FM me with your e-mail and I will send it to you. It cant hurt and im happy to help if I can.

Sorry for the ticket!!

(insert throw up emoticon here)

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You have FM--it's worth a try! :)

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Posted by miamimerger

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Posted by elp6421

Not sure if NY does this but I know in florida they have the ticket doctor which can pretty much erase any ticket.

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what the heck is a ticket doctor? that sounds pretty amazing.

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Ok, it's actually the ticket clinic. Lol.
http://www.theticketclinic.com/services.html

The courts dont care about excuses, whether you were aware that school was in session or not is immaterial.

Its a traffic violation which is violation of an ordinance so the only way to get out of it is

(1) plea bargain to a reduced offense
(2) hope the cop doesn't show up and the Judge dismisses the ticket.

My sympathies, I've had my fair share of traffic tickets and those really blow.

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Posted by Suzie4

def attempt to fight it...it can't hurt worse case you end up with the original ticket.

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Actually, in NY, if you fight it and loose, your fine can be higher. It totally *****.