I got a speeding ticket - contesting

Socks

So I got the second speeding ticket of my life this morning on the way to work. I was pulled over for going 65 in a 50 MPH zone by a motorcycle officer with a radar gun who had been hiding behind some bushes.

I have never contested a ticket before, and was indeed going probably about that speed. However, I am considering contesting this purely as a social experiment and thought I'd document how it goes here if people are interested. I'm going to use the advice on Ticket Assassin and see if it works. Also wanted to check with anyone here to see if you have any advice for beating this.

First off, the ticket I received was for violating vehicle code 22350 - the basic speed law. The basic speed law basically says that people need to drive at a speed that is considered "safe" in accordance with the surrounding environment. I do NOT believe I violated this code. There were only a couple cars around me, they were each going at least 55, zero pedestrians, clear vision, clear weather and visibility, and no danger of hitting anything.

So that's the situation and I'm planning on contesting via mail. Anyone have any advice or strategies to recommend?

lakersfreak · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:14 am Post subject:

Haven't had a ticket in 13 years.

Wondering if you fight it and lose if traffic school is still an option. Thinking about the insurance ramifications....

The Dagger · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:23 am Post subject:

Admit your guilt to the judge and plead for traffic school with no points. The officer got you with his gun, hard to beat that in court.

JerryMagicKobe · Moderator Joined: 28 Jul 2005 Posts: 15100

Do it. I can't think of a single reason to NOT contest it by mail. I'm no expert on fighting tickets, but I would imagine I'm the champ when it comes to getting pulled over (46 times including yesterday) and talking my way out of them. . .Next time I get one (3 on my record currently), I'll contest it in writing. The only advice I would give you is just state your side concisely, don't use big words when small words will do, speak plainly, don't exagerate, and don't say ANYTHING that can be proven incorrect.

Keep us informed how it goes.

Socks · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:39 am Post subject:

FredG · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:43 am Post subject:

I think the basic speed law covers everything (the judge would probably consider going 15 mph faster than the posted speed limit, "a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property"). And supposedly they have new radar guns out which are impossible to beat, if the officer followed proper procedure (the previous ones were no walk in the park either). And forget about taking your chances that the officer won't show up. Unless the officer has motor school training, he/she will be there. They get into trouble if they don't show.

Just try to get traffic school.

Socks · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:47 pm Post subject:

Muad'Dib · Star Player Joined: 19 Sep 2004 Posts: 3903

Ticket Assassin works.

Addicus · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject:

Bergamotichek · Retired Number Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 16777206

I say fight it.

I fought one of my tickets (did it the hard way)... and the officer ended up looking like a complete boob. Judge even got pissed off at him, he was so poorly prepared.

Of course, he and his partner followed me almost all the way home, waiting for me to screw up.

SoCal88 · Star Player Joined: 11 Apr 2001 Posts: 7498

Bergamotichek · Retired Number Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 16777206

Laker_Town · Retired Number Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 25604

A friend of mine had a book once, after getting a ticket, and it adviced on getting a court extension. The hope is that th epofficer wont be able to make the second date and youre case is either thrown out, or simply gives you an edge.

Never had a ticket, so I cant say if it works..Sounds too good to be true though.

The Dagger · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 7:37 pm Post subject:

FredG · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 8:34 pm Post subject:

SoCal88 · Star Player Joined: 11 Apr 2001 Posts: 7498

Socks · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:45 pm Post subject:

Socks · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 10:54 pm Post subject:

LakersSpirit · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:54 pm Post subject:

I heartily recommend, against contesting this traffic violation, as a "social experiment"... The law is the law, and, as a society, we don't want to slip back into "The Dark Ages". If you were contesting this, on the grounds, that you truly believe, that you were violated, or mistreated... That would be a different story...

I agree with those that recommend traffic school. There is an ongoing "social experiment", which is our daily interaction, with law enforcement, which exists, in an attempt to safeguard the general population... We can be concerned, and participate, in other ways, which are more beneficial, than finding ways to defeat the process.
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FredG · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:17 am Post subject:

KobeBryant24 · Starting Rotation Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 884

Why even bother contesting again, sure you avoid getting a point on you record and what not, but the fines you're going to end up paying after all the extra court fee's, assessment fee's, etc. etc., you're looking to pay up to $400 for a "$50" dismissal fee.

California traffic courts are horrible, you contest a violation, you win, and they charge you more then what you would have originally paid for the violation. They show you this chart which explains all the extra fee's they charge, but you really don't understand what all the taxes are. It's almost like a cell phone bill, you think you're paying a certain amount, but you find that all these extra hidden charges were added.

I say pay the fine and take traffic school, assuming you haven't taken traffic school in the past 18 months. You could do it online and it'll take you less then 2 hours to finish.

Good luck with whatever path you choose to take.

halosage · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:39 pm Post subject:

I just went to courthouse to pay for a speeding ticket.

At the courthouse, they ask you:

Are you pleading "not guilty and pay the fine plus go to traffic school?

or pleading "guilty but with an explanation and see the judge?

Freakin confusing........i told the lady that whatever was cheaper and faster to get out of there.

So i pleaded "not guilty and paid the freakin fine and i am going to traffic school.

Socks · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:06 am Post subject:

Wow - the wheels of justice turn slow.

I started this thread on September 20, 2006 and finally got a ruling this past Friday. It took almost 5 months to the day, but...

NOT GUILTY!!!

So I get my $128 in bail money back. No point on my license. No traffic school.

I contested and argued my case entirely through the mail, so my only expense was a few dollars in certifying mail and paying for Ticket Assassin, which I heartily recommend. No other fees at all. No need to take time out of my day to go to a courthouse.

Honestly, I've only gotten 2 tickets in my life, but if I ever get another, I'm going to contest it in this same way. I'd make a commercial for Ticket Assassin right now. If it hadn't been for them, there's no way I would have had the knowledge to dispute this ticket, because the state government does not make it available. Halosage's post right above this one is a perfect example. They don't even usually give you the option if you don't explicitly ask for it.

Anyway, this put a smile on my face to start the week, so thought I would share.

20,000 · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:41 am Post subject:

Way to stick it to the man, Socks!
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