Bri Bro

At least contest the speed you were going. The cop inforces the law, the judge has the final say in the matter.

AndyK

The cop wrote "laser" on the ticket. If NJ thinks lasers don't do the job, why would they be using them for ticketing? I don't have a lawyer--I have a mortgage and a baby! I'll have to check out the laser situation though!

Also, this trooper works in a county of probably 10,000 people...he has NOTHING better to do than go to court--my luck!

I can definately say without lying that I was going under 80. If the judge hears that, at worst, he may just cut the points to 2 from 4?

Damian in NJ

In most cases just showing up will allow you to get a drop in excess speed, reducing the points. You'll cut a deal before you go before the judge, saving the cop from spending half the day in court waiting for the case to come up.

Z-man

AndyK: another thing you can do is have your speedo tested and verify that the speed you were reading on it was incorrect: that may give you a little more on your side when going to court.

Also point out that you have a stock and sealed speedo: that it hasn't been altered in any way.

-Z.

Mark Parker

Missouri is probably different, but here, if you don't plead guilty in court, and you want the officer to be there (they NEVER show on the first date), then YOU have to come back. So now you're out two days of work, and the officer probably WILL show the second time around. They don't want you to get off without paying.

Dave

Don't worry, in NJ the cop WILL be there if you let the court know ahead of time that you are pleading not guilty, if you don't let the court know, you can expect a second trip.
1)Advise the court that you intend to plead not guilty.
2) Show up early and when they ask if anyone wants a conference with the prosecutor, raise your hand.
3) Tell the prosecutor you were NOT going that fast(don't offer an actual number)and tell him/her you would be willing to plead guilty to a "non point" violation.
If he/she accepts this, you can expect a larger fine than what the original violation carried, but no points.
If this doesn't work (some courts are trying to eliminate this plea bargaining in NJ), move on to...
4) Tell the prosecutor you couldn't have been going that fast because you were going XX mph (make sure that the speed you tell him/her is low enough that when averaged with the speed you are accused of, it is no more than 14 mph over the limit)
If this doesn't work, use the same story on the judge. I've never heard of that failing and it will get you down to 2 points and a smaller fine.

Dave, There are ways other than law school to become an expert on NJ's traffic court system, I picked the hard way

Dave E

Every speeding ticket I have gotten I've fought and every one had the speed reduced, and in Ma. the fine is based on the speed, points go up after a certain threshhold as well here, but I don't know what the limits are. FIGHT IT!!! I usually just say something like I don't think that was my speed or some other lame excuse. It seems like just 'cause I'm there and behaving reasonably and not asking for the world, I do O.K.

Tom R.

Your car and ten grand and you can have the bmw. not worth it unless its a convertible.

plea bargain the ticket. dont go into court like a dick, humbly explain your situation to the prosecutor, stress that you dont race the car, stress its an old cheap porsche, and insurance will put your nutz in a vise grip if you have points. stress the clean record, etc.

since you arent a greasy haired kid with a rap sheet a mile long you should get some courtesy in the insurance department.

as an aside, i spoke to someone at geico a few years back, and was told i get a gimme every few years, as long as its not a habit.

AndyK

Thanks all--still not sure if I wanna fight the ticket, only because I bet in nowherville, NJ, cops there LOVE going to court busting big-shot speeders that plead not guilty.

If I go and say I wasn't going THAT fast, and the cop pulls out a laser receipt saying 84, then what? I look stupid and say "your laser must be wrong--give me a break"?

Tom--the 328is I am probably gonna buy is a cool racing blue, with sport package, and every option available...for under $15k! I may be moving to the dark side...!!

Maybe the ticket was God's way of saying "see what you get for thinking about selling your 944?"!

Tom R.

how many miles on the bmw?

cop isnt gonna pull out anything. pleas are done in back office. when you appear in front of judge the prosecutor presrnts the amended charge.

at least thats how its done in my court

AndyK

Tom-

Court date on the ticket is for the end of this month--I'll try and plea...what have I got to lose?

71k on the BMW (a little high), but the car is in mint shape (cept for the light grey leather being a little worn/crackly). Looks like the 944 has to go! I have it on Autotrader as we speak....should be picking up the Bimmer next weekend.

User 41221

Skip the lawyer, but definitely fight the ticket. I am WAY too experienced doing this, and will spare you the details, but trust me, its worth it.

Regards,

MichelleJD

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Dave:
<strong>Dave, There are ways other than law school to become an expert on NJ's traffic court system, I picked the hard way </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica"><img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />

I'm not so sure that's a true statement - you ought to see my student loans! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

Tom R.

That seems like a lot for the car. i am haggling with a buddy on a 97 328 convert with the sport suspension and 35k. the pros told me 17 is the right amount

Tom R.

Bet my law school loans were more than yours michelle