So, it appears that I was informed correctly and incorrectly.

If I go to trial, I can either win and it be dismissed or I lose and the judge can change the fine. Obviously, it won't be reduced, it can actually be higher. How much higher, they won't say...

Or I pay the fine. Man, at least in Vegas, you get odds. This would be an easier decision if it is hey, you lose you will pay a couple of hundred bucks...in this case, it could be nothing or how much can they realistic charge?

Updated. I spoke to a retired cop that is a client of mine. Apparently, the cost isn't the fine or the increased fine...it's the time. Basically, depending on how many cases, they are seeing going to court being anywhere from a morning up to 2 to 3 days of being in court. Yeah. This make sense because an attorney I play pickleball with...his advice is to pay the fine because he said it was because fighting it can take time. While I have some time, I'm not sure I want to gamble 2 to 3 days.

Things to ponder.....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beanhead,

so so many ways to beat a speeding ticket..stick to your guns, you CAN beat them

There is a lot of punishment via process baked in this cake with a heavy helping of dealing with the proud nail (I love metaphors!).

But really, there is no way to know which choice is the best for you so: best of luck to you and no matter what you did the right thing.

And this is why I didn't fight the "I touched the fog line" ticket.


If the dash camera won't help, there is nothing you can do but take it up the ass from a dirty system.

Does your state have online/comedy/etc courses you can take to eliminate the points from your license.

What will this do to your insurance rates, if its going to increase, that plus the fine is the cost of the ticket.

Still say it's best to find an attorney if you are going to fight it, someone that knows everyone and every angle is worth the money.

As an aside, don’t for the love of god, call your insurance company. What they don’t know won’t hurt your wallet. If it takes several years to figure out you got popped for anything, let that happen. They can only ding you for things w/I the last 3 years. If they don’t know they can’t raise your rates because of it. (Mom used to work for Allstate)

They have to pay to turn peoples driving history, they normally don’t run everyone because it costs too much, so they may only run the 18-25 drivers, or people whose last mane ends in W.

Unless you have real information to the contrary about this particular judge, you shouldn’t be punished for wanting your day in court. My advice is to go to court and plead not guilty. Be respectful and don’t be an ass. Typically you’ll talk to the prosecutor before your trial. Tell him that you weren’t speeding, and that your car has a monitor on it in order to get an insurance discount, so you can prove that you weren’t speeding at the time. He may ask the cop about it, and if you were not memorable to the cop, they may dismiss it. If not, he may offer to reduce it to non moving, which you can accept or decline. If you decline, just be respectful, tell him you really appreciate the offer, and say that you don’t think you should have to pay anything because you did nothing wrong, and you want a chance to prove it.

I suggest that you DO NOT QUESTION the calibration of the radar gun. They will say that it was calibrated properly and you’ll look like a smart ass who thinks he can get off on a technicality.

Just maintain that you were not speeding and that you have evidence to prove it. Even if the judge finds you guilty, he’s unlikely to jack up the fine. He might still reduce it. If you’re found guilty ask about their program to have the offense removed from your record. It is common to have a program where you maybe take a class, possibly online, stay clean for six months or a year and go back to court to show them and they’ll dismiss it or expunge it. This might not be available unless you plead guilty up front- ask the prosecutor about it.

I want to thank everyone for their inputs and their words of wisdom.

So, a couple of things. Things are different all over the country and even in the city/county here. The retired cop actually advised me to get do discovery first and get a copy of the video. I said I can do that? He said in the city, I could before I decide what to do. Guess what? Not in the county. It's technically state court and the only way I can get it is after requesting a trial.

In regards to the points, because the deputy had already reduced it, then there is no points for the solicitor to reduce. Their decision was solely to dismiss the ticket or to leave it. That was the online request that I submitted. In hindsight, I would have been comprehensive. I thought it was to be concise and I would actually have a back and forth with them.

For everyone that said to get an attorney, I get the logic in perhaps they have connections and such. But when I spoke to that attorney that I played pickleball with, he told me not to get an attorney. He said it was a waste of money here. He said you are just paying me $800 to babysit you in court. I do think that for certain infraction, an attorney would be a must. And also venue, if this was Chicago....furget about it!

I know I am going to make a decision this afternoon. I will let you all know what I am going to do.

quote:

Originally posted by Ryanp225:
Shakedown by the world's largest criminal organization.
Pay them their protection money or they throw you in a cage and steal your shit.

You betcha!

quote:

Originally posted by fischtown7:
I am trying to remember exactly how this works, but I seem to recall you need to request the calibration and certification of the radar gun and police officer using it. You need to do this at least 30 days before the court date. If they do not provide it I believe you can use it in your defense in court since they have to prove they are in compliance. Better yet device has not been calibrated or officer does not have current training. I am sure someone here will be able to know if this helps or works.

I used this defense once in Michigan, successfully, when ticketed for speeding on a Christmas Day. I wasn't speeding. One phone call to the MSP's lieutenant did the deal and the ticket was dissolved. I still appeared in Court but the judge threw it out, MUCH to the disbelief on the officer's face.

As a young man, I got in trouble with a cop for doing 69 in the mall parking lot.

The motor wasn’t even running.


.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Many years ago, I got a similar ticket in Illinois. Went to court with a lawyer. Lawyer asked the cop to show on a map, where the speed limit sign was, and where the cop was parked with his RADAR gun. No sooner had the cop pointed out the locations when the judge intervened and said "Case dismissed."

Seems that Illinois law specifies a distance in which to reduce speed, and the cop's location with respect to the speed limit sign did not allow sufficient distance to comply with the law.

It’s good to hear about a win. I have won a couple of times, but I didn’t even try in the case above.


.

I am going to fight it. I wasn't speeding.

Update. I got the new court date. 9/24/2024. Good gracious.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beanhead,