[Antony_correia11]

Okay, I have my flame suit ready. I'm just asking for advice here.
Here's how it goes
I'm 17, at the time was driving 1996 Toyota Avalon.
Pulled over by CHP (I know, it's over when the CHP gets you)
Anyone who knows San Diego, I was on route 125 South near Grossmont.
I wasn't in a rush, wasn't intended to be speeding. I was driving a car other than my own, and I didn't realize I was speeding.
He said he clocked me at 81 in a 65. I didn't think I was going that fast, and I was in the number 2 lane.

Just a question, I know I have to wait for the notice in the mail, or check online when it's up, but
What are my chances of getting into traffic school? Will they offer it to me?

When he pulled me over, I was so lost as to what to do when he had me sign the ticket. I was confused at the process, and that I had to go to court!?
I thought It was just a fine.
Can anyone chime in and inform me please as to the process?

Also, if I go to court, and plead not guilty,
What are the chances the officer will show?
And
If he brings proof from the radar, is there any consequence against me for challenging it? I don't believe I was going 81. Yes, I was a little over the speed limit, but is there a consequence if he proves me wrong?
Thanks guys.

[be1ieve1111]

First of all you're 17.
Second, you usually have to wait till the Officer submits the ticket to get court info, but you can call the Clerks office for the area and find out what the ticket will cost you and what your options are as far as getting the ticket deferred or traffic school. I know in IN if your more than 25 over the speed limit you have to eat it.

Let this be a learning lesson. The "I don't think I was going 81" defense doesn't work. If it's just a ticket pay it. If you have money and they're trying to put points on your license get a lawyer, and they'll work something out with the prosecutor.

[jakobv84]

If you are offered defensive driving do that. Cheaper than lawyers and keeps your record clean. Even if they don't offer it you may be able to talk the prosecutor into it relative to going to trial.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Plead unsafe operation of a motor vehicle. Depending on your state, and how many offenses you have under your belt you pay a shit load of money in the court, but you can usually drop the points.

[BoricuaE92]

[Turb0Surge]

In CA you can take traffic school if you have not taken it in he last 3 years. (violation date to violation date), AND if you where not going 20mph over the speed limit.

You do not NEED to go to court. The whole process can be done over the mail.

If you choose to contest it, there is no punishment for doing so, even if you are in the wrong.

Lastly: The chances of the officer showing up is 99.9%. If he does not show up, or shows up and lost his notes (happens more often then you think) your case will be dismissed.

Honestly, in your case, you will almost surely be convicted. If I where you, I would just pay the fee and go to traffic school. Traffic school will keep the points off of your record.




My source from all this info? Personal experience. I had a rough time with tickets at 16-18 years old.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by BoricuaE92

You know, I'm a member of several other car forums (MDX, Ody, TL, VW vortex) and this forum has by far the most "ticket help please" threads. I guess the over reading speedo is not that effective.

[superjay]

Trial by Declaration. Submit your side of the story, and 80% of the time the officer doesn't want to do the paper work. They get overtime for showing up to court, they do not get overtime for paperwork. I've won all but one ticket by Trial by Declaration. If you do not win the TbD you still have a chance to go to court to plead your case with a judge, or choose traffic school. This is a no harm way to attempt to get out of it, regardless of guilt.