Should I go to court or pay the fine?

[Renee750il]

Don't over dress. A pair of casual slacks and a shirt is a good way to go. If you dress too well, they'll zap you just because . . .

And be prepared for a long wait if your particular cop isn't there. The judge will put his cases off until someone can tell him he has someone who has actually shown up to fight him.

 

[Boxer*Mom]

Heeeey that's not fair! Ah well figures. But i did expect i would have to wait. Do they schedule all traffic fines at the same time? I'll dress in black dress pants, that's all I have other that jeans anyway. lol But I won't wear a jacket with it, don't wanna look too umm...whatever. Have you worked in the courts system before or known people that have?

 

[Athebeau]

I'm just wondering, did you come to a complete stop, Sit, look both ways, then procede to turn. Or did you, look both ways, slow down, come to an incomplete stop, then turn.

I have talked to so many people who have gotten pulled over for an incomplete stop in the eyes of the law. The law won. I think they timed the people.

 

[bubbatd]

The above is what happened to EliN ...I went with her to court. She had just taken over her sister's car and when she cleaned out the glove compartment removed the car registration. Cop told her if she presented the registration at court she wouldn't be fined for that too. Judge fined her anyway I stood up to object.....and he told me if I didn't leave immediately, I'd be charged with contempt of court !!! I was LIVID!!!! It was an evening session and he was known as the town drunk ....and that he was !!

 

[Athebeau]

A little off topic here...but, I find Canadian Police (in my area) are real pushovers. You can get away with many things, I have never received a ticket for any motor vehicle violation...one includes passing a police car on a no passing lane.

American police on the other hand...holy cow. You can't talk your way out of anything. I was pulled over on the airport hwy in Maine, tried to get out of the speeding ticket by saying my car reads Kilometers and I got confused by the mile per hour signs (thinking he would take pity on a dumb Canadian ). He didn't even crack a smile, kept his hand on his hip (I think he had a gun), and I couldn't read his eyes due to his sunglasses.

What a huge difference I found in the manners between the officers around her and down in the States.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[joce]

I didn't go to just traffic court. I sat next to some guy that stabbed soemoen But its in a little town so they may jsut nto seperate it were other places do. I was the first person called up they went in alphabetical order starting backwards. But of course they made me come back in.

 

[Dreeza]

ive been to court for a speeding ticket...i was shaking like CRAZY, lol....i dont even think the cop had to be there...and he wasnt...i had to pay $75 (shoulda been $110) and got 0 points (instead of 1 or 2), and since i am a student, i had to write a 10 pg paper on why you shouldnt speed!!!

it was a crappy experience...the guy asked where i went to school, and i said "University of Michigan" and he LAUGHED at me...i was sooo confused...he and this cop that was standing there, like glanced at each other, and it was just REALLY weird...U of M is like a TOP school...

anyways...glad you are going!! I would really stress that you are upset about the fact that the officer would not tell you what you did wrong, because you are a law-abiding citizen, and as your record shows, you have no traffic violations. Just tell them that you are sure you did not do anything wrong - and if you did, you would really like to know what it was, so that way you do not repeat it in the future (since you are such a good driver!!)

GOOD LUCK!

 

[madeydog]

ticket

first court cost are figured into the waiver ticket cost automatically so reguardless to you will pay court cost even if you take it to court, I am a criminal justice major and nine out of ten time you will lose a ur word against and officer the best you can hope for if you do take it to court is a lower price or the judge will say to pay court cost and that be that . the judge will not make you pay more than the ticketed price that is guarrenteed. you have a right to use the justice system not be penalized for pleading your case.

 

[IlUvMyAnImAlZ05]

Hmmm.... Take it to court! my sister got a ticket and took it to court the cop was there and she won but, she had a lawyer. I wouldn't hire a lawyer in your case.
Mandy

 

[Boxer*Mom]

I'm just wondering, did you come to a complete stop, Sit, look both ways, then procede to turn. Or did you, look both ways, slow down, come to an incomplete stop, then turn.

I have talked to so many people who have gotten pulled over for an incomplete stop in the eyes of the law. The law won. I think they timed the people.

Well I thought I did stop. I have no idea what I did wrong, according to the p.o., because he would not tell me. I didn't know there was a certain amount of seconds you are required to stop before you get a ticket. I can't see a p.o. sitting there with a stopwatch doing that, but then again he was a _ _ _ _ _, so it's possible.

anyways...glad you are going!! I would really stress that you are upset about the fact that the officer would not tell you what you did wrong, because you are a law-abiding citizen, and as your record shows, you have no traffic violations. Just tell them that you are sure you did not do anything wrong - and if you did, you would really like to know what it was, so that way you do not repeat it in the future (since you are such a good driver!!)

Oh I will! The thing is I was driving 1200 miles a week on my route and never had a problem anywhere. I think I know how to abide by the rules of the road.

A little off topic here...but, I find Canadian Police (in my area) are real pushovers. You can get away with many things, I have never received a ticket for any motor vehicle violation...one includes passing a police car on a no passing lane.

I'm moving to Canada! What else can I get away with there?!

the best you can hope for if you do take it to court is a lower price or the judge will say to pay court cost and that be that.

Hey that's better than paying full price! And at least I'll know that I stood up for myself. It's held at the municipal court. John says that it's not heard by real judges, just people that have been appointed, like maybe it's the same guy that gives out marriage licenses.

Judge fined her anyway I stood up to object.....and he told me if I didn't leave immediately, I'd be charged with contempt of court !!! I was LIVID!!!! It was an evening session and he was known as the town drunk ....and that he was !!

Umm wow. Did you appeal it again? That is crazy.

 

[bubbatd]

No, wasn't worth it...she paid the no stop charges , I paid the registration charges , as I felt I should have checked ,with her being a new driver ,that the registration was in the car. You live and learn !

 

[bubbatd]

Goodluck today , Boxer.!!! Anxious to know how it worked out !

 

[Renee750il]

Heeeey that's not fair! Ah well figures. But i did expect i would have to wait. Do they schedule all traffic fines at the same time? I'll dress in black dress pants, that's all I have other that jeans anyway. lol But I won't wear a jacket with it, don't wanna look too umm...whatever. Have you worked in the courts system before or known people that have?

Yup. Been a legal investigator/paralegal for well over 15 years - cut my paralegal teeth on a murder one case

And just remember, it's a LEGAL system . . . not a justice system

 

[Sheba]

I say go to court and take the chance! (I'm a voter for adventure, LOL)

 

[Boxer*Mom]

Yup. Been a legal investigator/paralegal for well over 15 years - cut my paralegal teeth on a murder one case

And just remember, it's a LEGAL system . . . not a justice system

And you're a weight lifter? Remind me never to p_iss you off!!

Thanks for all the heads up.