MrScorpio's Traffic Ticket Advice (From experience)

[MrScorpio]

1. Pull over safely and put your hazards on.

2. Be nice to the cop, make sure that you've got your seat belts on and cooperate.

3. Get a lawyer. That retainer you'll pay is an excellent investment. It could save you money in the long run.

4. Show up to court on time, and dress professionally.

(The cop may not show up, in which case, your case might get dropped)

5. If you're judged guilty, APPEAL, APPEAL, APPEAL!

6 Show up for your appeal on time, and dress professionally.

(Chances are again that the cop may not show up)

7. If there are repeated continuances, the Prosecutor may decide not to try.
(That's your lawyer working for you)

8. Do not, under any circumstances, throw yourself on the mercy of the court. If you do you're fucked.

9. If you do not show up, you're fucked.

10. It pays to have a clean driving record.

Just to let you know, I got nicked for speeding twice last year. Both times my case was dropped.

My record is still spotless to this day.

Happy Driving!

[Nickster]

1. Excellent advice. n/t

[jpgray]

2. I've been pulled over four times for speeding

And have yet to receive a ticket. I have no idea why, however--one time I offered the cop a tic-tac? :shrug:

[MrScorpio]

3. Damn, you're good

[struggle4progress]

4. Has anybody tried offering the cop a toke?

[uppityperson]

5. Lawyer costs $150/hr X3 hours, ticket is $150.

3 hours for the first time lawyer shows up. Am I missing something? UPJr just got 1st speeding ticket so am working through this now. Thanks.

[MrScorpio]

6. It's not just about money up front

That retainer is going to give you a fighting chance to get off. Without one, you might as well throw your checkbook at the county clerk, because chances are (especially if the cop shows) you're gonna pay.

If you're judged guilty, expect to pay a fine AND court costs, plus the extra money you'll pay on your insurance premimum.

The costs will be more in the long run.

It's simple. Pay for a lawyer now, or pay much more down the road, because you werre trying to save money up front.

[uppityperson]

7. I called the court, said I had to "prove wasn't speeding"

I asked about innocent until proven guilty and was told that it didn't work that way there, basically. All cop had to do was submit a statement saying UPJr was speeding and we had to prove he wasn't. How do we do that? I asked. "need witnesses, someone that had timed you, etc". Insurance said 1st ticket won't increase rates, local people who I know and trust. UPJr wrote a letter to court earlier this wk already. For next one, if there is one, will be more money, more hassle, probably lawyer. Thanks for the info.

AND we have to pay $25 fee because UPJr pulled out expired insurance card, had good card in glovebox but showed card from wallet. Even though we had insurance, have to pay $25 to get $600 "no insurance fine" removed from record. Sucks. That one is mandated by WA legislature. If you get a ticket, even a wrong one, you have to pay $25 to remove it from record, office fee thing.

[Mutley]

8. I didn't get a ticket for five years

then got one a coupla months ago in Delaware. Bastids broke my streak. :grr:

I just paid it.

[Aristus]

9. I've been pulled over for speeding twice in the last five years.

Both times, I pulled over immediately, stopped and put both hands on the steering wheel where they could be seen. When the officer asked for my license, registration and proof of insurance, I told him where each item was, instead of reaching for it; wallet in jacket pocket, registration and insurance card in glove compartment, like that. He asked me to get them and I handed them over. I was polite and respectful.

The police officer let me off with a warning and a "drive safe and have a nice day" both times.