Well last night around 12:30, I received my first speeding speeding ticket. I was doing 84 in an 65 mph area . The officer said since that this is my first ticket that I am allowed to go to traffic school and lose the point on my record. He also said that my ticket would cost me around 200 dollars, was wondering if that seems about right? Cause I read around people have been getting all sorts of numbers. In any case would there be a way to reduce the fine? College sure is getting expensive these days. My court date is two months from now, do you think I should go with the Trial be declaration route, hoping that he doesn't remember who I am I know that speeding was very stupid on my part and i for sure learned my lesson. Sorry for all the stupid question, first speeding ticket so just wanted to know the whole in's and outs before hand.

 

That looks like about a standard fine. You don't have your location filled out in your profile. Lawyers cost money, so that avenue is kinda out. Talk to the District Attorney that handles Traffic Court in that jurisdiction (before the court date) and see if you can get it reduced. Since that is your first ticket and your more worried about the fine than the points, thats the route I would take.

 

Sorry about that, didnt notice it. I am located in San Diego, Ca.

 

Did he get you on radar?
Did he show you that radar? (or at least offer to show you)

They tell you about traffic school hoping you will just plead guilty and go.
I have never seen a cop mention traffic school unless he knows his ticket wont hold up in court. He is just hoping you will say 'guilty' and pay up.

If there is no radar, and he did not pace you for a LONG distance . . . .. fight it

 

No he did not show me a radar, nor did he offer. I just signed the box where is said i do not admit my guilt and will appear in court. Well the problem with fighting is that i really wouldn't know what to say in trying to defend myself.

 

"My cruise control was set at the speed limit. I have no clue why the officer gave me a ticket"

 

I'm just hoping that he doesn't appear in two months or remembers who i am. If anything i would try and extend the court date to another time hoping that he cant make it. Well that is what i have read on other post.

 

He gets paid to make it to court. But, you're right, sometimes they dont go.
Especially if they know the ticket was bogus. They just hope you lay down and plead guilty.

 

I've been reading around and have read that if the officer does not show that day your case is dismissed, I was wondering if that is correct? If he were to appear in court, could anyone tell me what happens during the trial?

 

That is true. Don't ask for another court date (Continuance) unless it is necessary. The cop and judge won't like it and could hold it against you the next time your before them. They won't call for the officer until you have plead "not guilty". And in 2 months, you may not remember what the officer looks like yourself. Him not being there isn't a good bet.

 

Slow The F*** Down...

 

ticketassassin.com

 

Show up on your court date and they will cut the fine in half. (almost always) Then request to attend traffic school. You are lucky you were not going another 7MPH or it would be worse. If you want to try to get out of it totally, then request a trial by declarition. The officer will then have to provide a written document with all required info. As long as you turn in your form and he doesn't, then it will be dismissed. But if he does, you will have to pay the full fine plus admin fees. I would do what I said first.