Got a nasty ticket

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:00 pm

There is this part of Georgia called Jenkins County that is known for only one thing...It's nazi class police officers. When I'm inside the town of millen I go 5 below the speed limit to make sure i'm not another one of the people pulled over for going 1 or 2 over.

So I was going in on Georgia Route 25, its a split lane road with two lanes to each way of traffic. I assumed on a big road like that the speed limit would be 65. Since there was no traffic I bumped it up to a little over 75. Well I got pulled over and sure enough it was one of the hitlers youth officers. I was like its cool, 12 over, won't be a big ticket. I was watching him write it and I see him put down I was going 77 in a 55!!! I was like "This road is a 55???" which is a bunch of crap.

Any way of getting it knocked down to a 12 over in court for an honest mistake? I have a feeling a 22 over ticket would be pretty nasty in and of itself not to mention on my insurance.

Humboldt · Post by **Humboldt** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:05 pm

Was the speed actually posted anywhere?

Paft · Post by **Paft** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:13 pm

If you want to go the honesty route and you don't have any information to counter the cop's statements with, then admit you did wrong and ask for what's known as a "Prayer for Judgement", or a deferred ticket. It allows you to have that one ticket set aside for a period of time in which, if you don't mess up, the ticket is dropped and never appears on your driving record.

I don't know if your state has that option, but if it does, it's a good one.

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:21 pm

Radar gun.

And I don't think we have a prayer of judgement.

Izzo · Post by **Izzo** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:21 pm

Talk to the prosecutor .......chances are they'll give you a break just for showing up .....they do here ...

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:24 pm

Izzo wrote:Talk to the prosecutor .......chances are they'll give you a break just for showing up .....they do here ...

Almost always worth a try.....often the prosecutor will lower it to whatever your states equiv of "unnecessary speed" is.

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:28 pm

traffic court around here its always you against the cop with a judge.. thats it.. its your word against their's..and you know who wins! They always stand up there saying blah blah my radar gun was calibrated at this time such and such...blah blah etc and make it look as if you don't have a leg to stand on. I'd get a lawyer for a few hundred since its going to cost you that much a year in insurance if you lose!

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:42 pm

Don't really wanna go so far as getting a lawyer. I was going over the limit. I was just hoping for some leniency since I thought I was going 12 over, not 22. But I bet these small town judges are no different than the small town cops.

Basic Speed Rule:

No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards than existing. §40-6-180

Statutory Speed Limit:

70 MPH(1) on interstate system or on physically divided highways outside of urban areas with a population > 50,000 §40-6-181(b)(2)

See Other below.

65 MPH1 on State divided highways without full access control §40-6-181(b)(4)

55 MPH on other locations §40-6-181(b)(5)

That's the law I heard about that made me think its 65. But I guess it was one of the "other locations", heh

I sumbitted an online ticket to a georgia law firm, they said they would analyze it for free and get back to me. I'll see where that goes. My buddy is a georgia cop but I can't get ahold of him.

Roody · Post by **Roody** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:59 pm

Tough break man. I hope you can get the fine reduced.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:05 pm

WHile driving on the road was there a speed limit sign? If not how long were you on the road for?

If you were on the road for a long time and so no sign I was ask the judge to reduce the ticket from 22 to 12 becuase there was no sign and based on the raod being a highway you assumed the speed limit would be 65mph because of the road.

minir · Post by **minir** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:08 pm

Hi Shagster

Go to the place where you pay the ticket and ask them to make an appointment to see the prosecutor as you feel an injustice has been done in regard the speed limit.

Here they will set up an appointment to see him and here they will knock a point off and a small reduction in the fine. You then plead guilty and pay the reduced amount.

Its the loss of points that hurts most. I had to go through it last year about this time i think.

They save by not having to drag the Officer into court or arguing their case.

--

minir

MadDoctor · Post by **MadDoctor** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:32 pm

What happens if the officer doesn't show? Some states say that the officer presents the facts first. Then you have the opportunity to plea. If the officer doesn't show... the court dismisses the charge.

Then again I've heard about courts where it is nothing more than a clerk behind a desk that just takes your money.

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:39 pm

MadDoctor wrote:What happens if the officer doesn't show? Some states say that the officer presents the facts first. Then you have the opportunity to plea. If the officer doesn't show... the court dismisses the charge.

Then again I've heard about courts where it is nothing more than a clerk behind a desk that just takes your money.

This county sets up their court dates so every comes at once. I heard all the officers show up. Its a town of like 3000. Speeding tickets are probably their biggest revenue. That's not a joke either.

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:00 pm

Shagster wrote:This county sets up their court dates so every comes at once. I heard all the officers show up. Its a town of like 3000. Speeding tickets are probably their biggest revenue. That's not a joke either.

Some Towns up here are the same way. They get a cut from tickets. Specifically DUI/OUI where they get a percent of the big ass fine. I have called up to report suspicious activety to get told all the officers were busy. I turned on the scanner and they were all over at an OUI stop because they got someone drunken driving. I would of had to wait with a burglar in my yard because they dont make much off burglars for x months, and the county would have to pay $125 a night for the burglar to be put in jail. The OUI nets them cash and overtime grants for roadblocks. Thats why I say some towns have a tax force vs. a Police force.

mountainman · Post by **mountainman** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:25 pm

Even if you were doing 12 over, that's a pretty good amount over the limit.

Gixxer · Post by **Gixxer** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:16 pm

i got 140 in a 65 once

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:28 pm

you need to worry about your insurance.. screw how much the ticket costs.. I've had to pay over the last 3 years not including the ticket and court costs over 1500$!!!!!!!!! For a 10mile an hour over ticket. And my insurance company is one of the best..but they all do that..so I'm telling you to get a lawyer to help get you out of it, they don't cost much to review and show up.

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:31 pm

mountainman wrote:Even if you were doing 12 over, that's a pretty good amount over the limit.

Yeah, but 14 and under isn't reported to your insurer.

Ticket will cost $255. I am going to see who I can talk to who knows how the judge works. If there is no leniency I'll just mail in the fine.

MadDoctor · Post by **MadDoctor** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:36 pm

Shagster wrote:Yeah, but 14 and under isn't reported to your insurer.

Wow! Something I didn't know. Rep points on the way.

I know... I don't know a LOT of things....

Gixxer · Post by **Gixxer** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:55 pm

MadDoctor wrote:
I know... I don't know a LOT of things....

at least you are honest

MadDoctor · Post by **MadDoctor** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 4:04 pm

Gixxer wrote:at least you are honest

Horny too!

BaLa · Post by **BaLa** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 6:59 pm

Shagster wrote:Yeah, but 14 and under isn't reported to your insurer.

Ticket will cost $255. I am going to see who I can talk to who knows how the judge works. If there is no leniency I'll just mail in the fine.

pricey...
I once got caught doing 92 in a 70 (22 over as well).
My ticket was 'only' $205. And I thought that was expensive

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:35 pm

Well I talked to my buddy who is an Atlanta cop. He says those small towns are the worst. So I believe I am screwed and will just send the money in.

Didn't even get the military discount from the cop

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:36 pm

Fight it!

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:36 pm

Go in uniform

Shagster · Post by **Shagster** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:41 pm

Naw, I deserve the ticket. Was just hoping there was a good chance of some mercy. If the officer didn't give a **** I was in the military it usually reflects the town which is, btw, over 50% below poverty levels. So chances are they would deny any protest based solely on the fact that ticketing is their towns revenue.

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 8:55 pm

Not every state and city is the same.. some places don't care if your 5mph over to 40... so don't get sucked up into that one MD.. but I would get a lawyer just to fight it.

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 8:57 pm

Lefty wrote:Some Towns up here are the same way. They get a cut from tickets. Specifically DUI/OUI where they get a percent of the big ass fine. I have called up to report suspicious activety to get told all the officers were busy. I turned on the scanner and they were all over at an OUI stop because they got someone drunken driving. I would of had to wait with a burglar in my yard because they dont make much off burglars for x months, and the county would have to pay $125 a night for the burglar to be put in jail. The OUI nets them cash and overtime grants for roadblocks. Thats why I say some towns have a tax force vs. a Police force.

We're not all like that. In the town I work in, the littlest traffic complaint from a citizen gets more attention than it warrants. Take for instance 2 weeks ago when we had to do a stationary radar detail because one old woman complained about speeding vehicles on her road. Now mind you, her street is the main access road to the neighborhood behind her so everyone travels that road. Our Dept usually gives a 15 mph over leeway, so no tickets until your 15 mile over the limit. The first time I had to go do this little detail, a robbery occurred in the beat I would have been patrolling. Needless to say he got away. Later that afternoon I went back to try it again, because it had come down from the top that we would do it. I sat up and clocked close to 30 cars in a thirty minute time span. Not one car was fast enough to contact. What a supreme waste of time. Most of the money made off of our tickets goes to the courts, the Dept sees very little of it.

I would suggest asking the officer or the prosecutor if they would consider a nol pros of the ticket upon payment of costs and fines. That would at least keep it off your insurance.

mountainman · Post by **mountainman** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 10:20 pm

Agreed about small towns. On my latest trip to Colorado, I was ticketed for 11mph over the limit in Leadville, CO. I sent my money in and was done with it. I sped...fine paid...the end.

It's a bummer, but you pay to play. As I've heard before: "driving is a privilege, not a right".

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:08 am

its a rip off no matter how you look at it.. mostly going towards Insurance over the next 3 years till it falls off your record.. fight it!

Prey521 · Post by **Prey521** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:47 am

mountainman wrote:Even if you were doing 12 over, that's a pretty good amount over the limit.

Nah, 12 is nothing, on the NY Thruway, you can get away with going 15 over without getting stopped. Once you reach 20 though, it's your ass. I always keep my car on cruise between 75 and 80 on the thruway, which is 65. My friend's a state trooper out in LI. On the LIE, he says that he won't bother with peeps that are below 15 over the limit, it's the guys near and over the 20's that he pulls over.

Prey521 · Post by **Prey521** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:50 am

Shagster wrote:Well I talked to my buddy who is an Atlanta cop. He says those small towns are the worst. So I believe I am screwed and will just send the money in.

Didn't even get the military discount from the cop

Buddy's right, the smaller the town, the quicker you will be stopped. There's a town up here called Florida, NY, where if you go 1 mile over the limit, the pricks pull you over. I avoid that town like the plague lol

Prey521 · Post by **Prey521** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:53 am

mountainman wrote:Agreed about small towns. On my latest trip to Colorado, I was ticketed for 11mph over the limit in Leadville, CO. I sent my money in and was done with it. I sped...fine paid...the end.

It's a bummer, but you pay to play. As I've heard before: "driving is a privilege, not a right".

LOL there's a bench warrant out for my arrest in Pennsylvania. Was clocked doin 78 in a 55 a few years ago, $104 ticket, never paid it. Few months later, received a letter in the mail stating that if I were pulled over in PA, that I'd be arrested

Funny thing is, year after I got that ticket was when I got into a head on collision in the Poconos, PA.......I thought I was gonna get locked up once the cops came and ran my license, they didn't mention a thing though

loop2kil · Post by **loop2kil** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 1:03 am

I would just go to court and and plead nolo...you will have to pay the fine but it will not go against you on your insurance. Sometimes you can call the court clerk, especially if its a small town, and they might give you the option of coming in and paying early without going to court. Often they will even adjust the speed limit to only 14 over. This approach usually works for me but my tickets are not as bad as yours @ 22 over. Mine are always under 20 over(<---that just sounds funny.)

mountainman · Post by **mountainman** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:08 am

Word to the wise while driving through Ohio... don't go over 10mph over the limit on the interstates or you'll probably be pulled over.

I have several local friends that are Troopers.

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:17 am

loop2kil wrote:I would just go to court and and plead nolo...you will have to pay the fine but it will not go against you on your insurance.

don't miss lead him into thinking he won't have his insurance hiked... he might want to check with them also on what would happen to his insurance if he did get a ticket but not let them know he really did. Most companies have it on their forms to say where they get your driving history from and I'm sure all of them tap DMV's records. You need to really fight this ticket if you find out your insurance is going to be kicked up a notch.. I'm telling you over the last 3 years I've had to pay over 1500$ in increased insurance just for a small mph ticket in a small town here so it really doesn't matter.. hell when I was younger I almost got kicked off my parents insurance policy for my lead foot.

dan217 · Post by **dan217** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 1:21 pm

I am just going to chime in here since I am a licensed insurance agent here in Florida. If you get a traffic ticket, there is a record for it. It does not matter how fast or slow you were going. The state does not alert your insurance company of a ticket, however your insurance company may pull records on every renewal or just do it randomly for the persons they insure. If you have had an accident or claim recently, rest assured, they are going to pull it because that sends a red flag that other things may be going on. 1-15 over the limit is generally not a problem and may not even get an increase in premium. Most companies that I work with would consider it a minor violation. However, if you have other tickets on your record within the last three years, then you can possibly see quite an increase. My advice is to go there and not necessarily come on strong and outright say you were speeding, but say that you had a lot on your mind that day. Let your past record speak for itself if you have been clean. Ask that ajudication be witheld, which basically means you pay the fine, but in many states that it will not go on your record. I myself have done that. But the person that told you in the thread that it is not the fine you should worry about, it is the insurance costs, is pretty much on target. Try to keep it off your record. Hope this helps.

morbidpete · Post by **morbidpete** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 4:02 pm

caught doing 95 in a 25

ticket was $0 dollars. dont know why but it was 2 in the mornign i was 18 and he let me go

Sava700 · Post by **Sava700** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 4:36 pm

morbidpete wrote:caught doing 95 in a 25
ticket was $0 dollars. dont know why but it was 2 in the mornign i was 18 and he let me go

very lucky.. what year was this? Cause my dad used to tell me about getting puled over drunk and they would follow him home etc.. but see today they would lock your butt up real quick.

morbidpete · Post by **morbidpete** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 4:39 pm

im 22 now so 4 years ago. i wasnt drunk, just high. but i dont think they knew. or maybe they did. they just asked me a bunch of stuff about some vandalizim to a parkt hat i knew nothing about and never heard anything about it again

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Got a nasty ticket

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