# Speeding Ticket - Suggestions Needed **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 23, 2012, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632 "2012-10-23T16:29:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/21 "2012-10-23T19:52:06Z")
> [@Winston\_Smith](#): > > My experience is that my tickets have been dismissed every time I’ve requested a hearing, and I have done so on at least 4 or 5 occassions. That’s my wife’s experience, too. I think she’s had five tickets (two parking and three moving violations) in the past 7 years, she challenged them all, and four of them were dismissed – for the fifth one, she never received a court date. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/22 "2012-10-23T19:52:41Z")
You were well over the limit, and if you drive like I do\*, getting a speeding ticket every couple of years just makes up for the thousands of times that I’m _not_ caught speeding. Consider it an extra tax on driving and just pay it. 🙂 \*I don’t know if it’s much of an excuse, but driving the speed limit around here makes you a road hazard, since everyone is going well over all the time. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/23 "2012-10-23T19:58:46Z")
OK, I think I have found my solution. Two different co-workers gave me the same name of an attorney they have both used for speeding tickets. You pay him $50, and he takes care of everything - and 99% of the time he can get the ticket reduced by at least 50% or more. Sounds like a deal to me, both of the co-workers said he was great, and for that price, I don’t have to take off time from work, nor go to court, etc. I will let you know how this all turns out (court date is mid-December) - but thanks all for your suggestions! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/24 "2012-10-23T19:59:58Z")
Okay, I change my answer - pay $50 and get it taken care of. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/25 "2012-10-23T20:03:21Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > OK, I think I have found my solution. > > Two different co-workers gave me the same name of an attorney they have both used for speeding tickets. > > You pay him $50, and he takes care of everything - and 99% of the time he can get the ticket reduced by at least 50% or more. > > Sounds like a deal to me, both of the co-workers said he was great, and for that price, I don’t have to take off time from work, nor go to court, etc. > > I will let you know how this all turns out (court date is mid-December) - but thanks all for your suggestions! I’m really interested in hearing about this. I don’t see how a lawyer can take care of this and only bill for 15 minutes of his time tops. ---
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/26 "2012-10-23T20:12:07Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > OK, I think I have found my solution. > > Two different co-workers gave me the same name of an attorney they have both used for speeding tickets. > > You pay him $50, and he takes care of everything - and 99% of the time he can get the ticket reduced by at least 50% or more. > > Sounds like a deal to me, both of the co-workers said he was great, and for that price, I don’t have to take off time from work, nor go to court, etc. > > I will let you know how this all turns out (court date is mid-December) - but thanks all for your suggestions! :dubious: Sure the lawyer will take care of everything, meaning he will tell you how much you owe. And that amount will be what you originally owed, plus $50 bucks. You haven’t been to traffic court before have you? Good for you then, if this is your first ticket. You want the best advice? Pay the fine. And… if it is going to hurt your budget they will provide you with a payment plan by simply asking for one. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/27 "2012-10-23T20:31:15Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I’m really interested in hearing about this. I don’t see how a lawyer can take care of this and only bill for 15 minutes of his time tops. He’s probably going to have 5 or 6 (or more) clients. He’ll talk to the ADA and say I’ve got a bunch of first-time people here, can we drop them all to non-moving? (He’ll be telling the truth, 'cause that’s how he builds a rapport with his opposite number). The ADA, not wanting to have to argue a bunch of traffic tickets, will say sure. Our hero’s lawyer will have to file some paper for each individual, but he’s probably got that on his laptop. 20 minutes tops for the whole group. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/28 "2012-10-23T20:34:44Z")
> [@Moonlitherial](#): > > So is the lesson here when you’re in a crowd of speeders and the cop turns on his lights to keep going and ignore him? Seems like that could backfire 😉 No, just don’t be the last car. It’s like being chased by a bear: I don’t have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun _you_. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/29 "2012-10-23T20:39:20Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > He’s probably going to have 5 or 6 (or more) clients. He’ll talk to the ADA and say I’ve got a bunch of first-time people here, can we drop them all to non-moving? (He’ll be telling the truth, 'cause that’s how he builds a rapport with his opposite number). > > The ADA, not wanting to have to argue a bunch of traffic tickets, will say sure. Our hero’s lawyer will have to file some paper for each individual, but he’s probably got that on his laptop. 20 minutes tops for the whole group. I suppose that’s possible, but **Lukeinva** ’s explanation sounds more likely to me. But I don’t know the jurisdiction. It wouldn’t work around here or New York City. Other places maybe. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2012, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/30 "2012-10-23T20:41:00Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > You pay [the lawyer] $50, and he takes care of everything - and 99% of the time he can get the ticket reduced by at least 50% or more. > [@Lukeinva](#): > > Sure the lawyer will take care of everything, meaning he will tell you how much you owe. And that amount will be what you originally owed, plus $50 bucks. And you know that his friends, who have actually used this lawyer before (and presumably in this jurisdiction), are wrong about the fine likely being reduced because…? ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/31 "2012-10-24T21:22:38Z")
Around here, the courts are often so overburdened with traffic offenses that before they even open the courtroom doors, they will announce the option to plea to 9 over, pay about $200 and be done with it in five minutes - no license points and more importantly, no insurance points. Or, stay in line for a couple of hours to plead your case before the judge. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/32 "2012-10-24T22:16:11Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > And you know that his friends, who have actually used this lawyer before (and presumably in this jurisdiction), are wrong about the fine likely being reduced because…? They aren’t really his friends. The whole thing’s a con. ---
**Author:** ![wheresmymind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/91b2a8/32.png) [@wheresmymind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wheresmymind)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/33 "2012-10-24T22:18:15Z")
It’s really simple to fix this. Just say that you weren’t _driving_, but rather _travelling_ on the road, and that the machine you were operating wasn’t a “motor vehicle” or “automobile” but rather a “transportation machine.” Tell them that you consider yourself to be a freeman on the land, that you don’t accept employment in the corporation of the United States, and point out that without a pair of gold tassels hanging from the flag pole the courtroom isn’t legitimate anyway. They won’t be able to touch you! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Surb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce73a5/32.png) [@The\_Surb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Surb)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/34 "2012-10-25T12:48:01Z")
> [@wheresmymind](#): > > It’s really simple to fix this. Just say that you weren’t _driving_, but rather _travelling_ on the road, and that the machine you were operating wasn’t a “motor vehicle” or “automobile” but rather a “transportation machine.” Tell them that you consider yourself to be a freeman on the land, that you don’t accept employment in the corporation of the United States, and point out that without a pair of gold tassels hanging from the flag pole the courtroom isn’t legitimate anyway. They won’t be able to touch you! While wearing my aluminum foil hat? I love it. I’m going to start breaking traffic laws so I can use this defense. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/35 "2012-10-25T12:49:38Z")
> [@wheresmymind](#): > > It’s really simple to fix this. Just say that you weren’t _driving_, but rather _travelling_ on the road, and that the machine you were operating wasn’t a “motor vehicle” or “automobile” but rather a “transportation machine.” Tell them that you consider yourself to be a freeman on the land, that you don’t accept employment in the corporation of the United States, and point out that without a pair of gold tassels hanging from the flag pole the courtroom isn’t legitimate anyway. They won’t be able to touch you! This is definitely better than the _bogus_ defense. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/36 "2012-10-25T13:28:34Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > Yeah, got a speeding ticket yesterday. > First of all, I don’t think I was going that fast (43 in 25MPH zone). And no, this was not a school zone - just a stupid side street and not even residential. > Secondly, I was at a stop light behind three other cars. When light turned green, all three cars zipped along at a good clip, leaving me in the dust for the two blocks until the next light. I was easily six car lengths behind all three of them, but the cop singled out ME - I guess it was easiest to take the slow horse at the end of the line. > The fine is $302! > > I called one of those “we fix your traffic ticket” places. They said they can get the fine reduced to $150 - but their fee is $192. Now, I might not be good at math, but that doesn’t sound like much of a deal. > > If I go to court and plead my “not guilty” case to the judge, do you think I too could get this reduced to the $150 without using an attorney? > > Anyone have any experience dealing with this? I would never tell anyone to not get an attorney. They will be much more familiar with your state laws and your particular court. I can only tell you how things work in the court in which the tickets I write are heard. In general for most routine traffic tickets you can get the same deal as you would with a lawyer. Here you can pay the ticket and not come in to court. No court costs but you get the points. If you want to see if you can get the fine reduced you plead not guilty and they give you a court date. You come in and see the prosecutor. He offers a chance to plead to a lesser charge that has a fine but no points. The statute that covers that here allows you to do it only a couple times in a few years. High speeding tickets are given the chance to reduce the speed so a 4 point ticket becomes a 2 point. That is the choice you get regardless of if you have a lawyer or not. If you really think you are not guilty then you can go to trial. Here that means you will have to come back another day. The officers are not ordered to appear unless its going to trial. > [@kunilou](#): > > Why on earth would you plead “not guilty” when you were caught doing 43 in a 25 zone? It’s my experience that traffic court judges _ **despise** _ having defendants who whine, “but everyone else was speeding worse than me.” The judges I know don’t take it personal. But it still won’t work as a defense. Many years ago I heard this conversation between a speeder and a veteran officer. “But those other cars were speeding too!” “You ever go fishing?” “Yes” “Ever catch all the fish?” > [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Check and see if your city/county has a deferrment program. You will still have to pay the fine, but the ticket will be treated as a non-moving violation. As long as you don’t get another speeding ticket in that jurisdiction for the next 6 months, the ticket will not show up on your insurance. If you do get another ticket then the original ticket and your subsequent ticket both become moving violations and will appear on your record as such. > > If you decide to fight it, unless you get lucky like Mr. Smith above, your chances of winning in court are slim to none, unless the police officer that gave you the ticket fails to show up for your hearing, then the judge will normally dismiss the case. If the officer does appear, normally the officer is going to testify that he tagged you with radar, and your word that you didn’t think you were going that fast will mean butkus. Butkus is a Hall of Fame football player. Bupkis is the Yiddish word for nothing of value. In some jurisdictions you can get the ticket dismissed if the officer doesn’t show. In many others you’ll have to come back when he is able to come in. That is not even close to a guarantee. > [@Omar\_Little](#): > > When did you start driving? I seem to remember from another thread that he is a few years away from that yet. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/37 "2012-10-25T15:28:15Z")
You were going 1.7 times the speed limit, 43 is pretty fast for a 25 zone. Dress up, go to court, and hope for the best. But don’t lie. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/38 "2012-10-25T18:42:14Z")
Traffic court is entertaining, especially when you have a bunch of teenagers in court. I saw five teens in a row try the exact same defense and each one was surprised when it didn’t work. I would have bet that at least the fifth teen might have been paying attention and tried a different approach. I would have lost that bet. Every single one said “I know I was speeding but I shouldn’t have a ticket because of blah blah blah”. I left court convinced that teens are too stupid to drive. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/39 "2012-10-25T19:20:51Z")
The last time I got a speeding ticket I got it reduced to the minimum by going to court and pleading “Guilty with an explanation.” The explanation was “I was stupid and didn’t think I’d get caught.” The judge looked at me, asked if I had $53 in my pocket, and made that the fine instead of $250. Took 5 minutes and only put a point on my license, which my insurance company ignored. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632/40 "2012-10-25T19:28:01Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > The last time I got a speeding ticket I got it reduced to the minimum by going to court and pleading “Guilty with an explanation.” The explanation was “I was stupid and didn’t think I’d get caught.” The judge looked at me, asked if I had $53 in my pocket, and made that the fine instead of $250. Took 5 minutes and only put a point on my license, which my insurance company ignored. Guilty with an explaination is guilty. But in order to save time most courts offer plea bargains for lesser offenses. There is no need for an explaination. Just meet the prosecutor and see if you like the deal. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speeding-ticket-suggestions-needed/638632.md?page=1)