ugh first ticket

[mjb2124]

Re: ugh first ticket

zeroxray0 - I've gone to court over 4 tickets in my life and never went with a lawyer (as I see no reason to pay Lawyer fees when I know I can get it reduced without a lawyer). I pleaded "not guilty" every time and every time the points were dropped and the $$$ was reduced.

If it was a hit and run or you took off when you saw the police car behind you and tried to outrace the cop, then I'd get a lawyer. However, your infraction was minor and since it was your first ticket, the judge will likely be more lenient.

[Zer0xray]

Re: ugh first ticket

zeroxray0 - I've gone to court over 4 tickets in my life and never went with a lawyer (as I see no reason to pay Lawyer fees when I know I can get it reduced without a lawyer). I pleaded "not guilty" every time and every time the points were dropped and the $$$ was reduced.

If it was a hit and run or you took off when you saw the police car behind you and tried to outrace the cop, then I'd get a lawyer. However, your infraction was minor and since it was your first ticket, the judge will likely be more lenient.

how about court fees? i've been researching and i've read something about that.

[HungryBologna]

Re: ugh first ticket

I don't think he can plead not guilty when he actually was driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Well sure he can plead not guilty. This is the American justice system were talking about right?

Most likey they will make a deal to lower the fine and points because they don't want to waste time going to trial over something like this.

[mjb2124]

Re: ugh first ticket

how about court fees? i've been researching and i've read something about that.

What I had to do was pay the ticket and a $10 court fee when I submitted my plea. After the sentence was reduced and the judge set the money amount, I was reimbursed minus the court fee.

Example:

Ticket was $100
Court fee was $10
I send in a check for $110

Judge reduces the fee to $50
I get reimbursed for $50 sent by check in the mail ($110-$50-$10).

[NYG_Meth]

Re: ugh first ticket

It was a small court in all my instances. Just a Judge and the officer in a small court room (other people waited outside). Judge was up on his loft in the Judge outfit. Terrible explanation, but you get the idea.

I've had 4 tickets and I've challenged all of them. 3 speeding tickets were reduced to 0 points and the money was reduced. The 4th which I got for rolling through a Stop sign, the cop never showed up for so it was dropped.

IMO, your ticket wasn't a big money item so I doubt the cop will show up. The reason cops don't always show up is that the court dates are scheduled on their days off. Unless it's serious, sometimes they don't want to come in. At least that's what I was told.

Few tips - Always address the judge properly and wear something nice (ie: shirt and tie with khaki's works and is what I've always worn). Use "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir" everytime responding to the judge. Don't be combative with the police officer or judge, but state your case with confidence and be humble.

I would think you should say "Yes/no, Your Honor."

[Zer0xray]

Re: ugh first ticket

update: i called a lawyer for a free consultation yesterday...and he told me that if i went to court to fight it, the ticket (but no points) would be like 400 bucks with court fees included. so he suggested i just pay the ticket, and just take the classes. also, he told me my insurance company, njm, doesnt surcharge for every point accumulated so i wouldnt have to worry about it. im prob gonna call another lawyer to get another opinion, but right now..prob paying the ticket and still debating abotu the class.

[SPTO]

Re: ugh first ticket

update: i called a lawyer for a free consultation yesterday...and he told me that if i went to court to fight it, the ticket (but no points) would be like 400 bucks with court fees included. so he suggested i just pay the ticket, and just take the classes. also, he told me my insurance company, njm, doesnt surcharge for every point accumulated so i wouldnt have to worry about it. im prob gonna call another lawyer to get another opinion, but right now..prob paying the ticket and still debating abotu the class.

Wow, I don't know how it's like in the states but here in Ontario whenever my father gets a ticket of any kind he just goes to the courthouse by himself and doesn't have to pay a dime or at least very little money.

Oh well that's what you get for living in a litigious (sp) country such as the US.

[mjb2124]

Re: ugh first ticket

Wow, I don't know how it's like in the states but here in Ontario whenever my father gets a ticket of any kind he just goes to the courthouse by himself and doesn't have to pay a dime or at least very little money.

That's the same thing I've done everytime I've gone. I've paid a $10 court fee and that was it. So even if the Judge doesn't reduce the ticket and/or points, I'm only out $10.

[Zer0xray]

Re: ugh first ticket

yea sounds kinda sketchy in my opinion. im gonna call some more lawyers to get other opinions on the matter.