Newb Question on my first speeding ticket

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Cop pulls me over for 50 over a 35 mph zone and gives me a ticket.

Here's my questions. Are the point laws etc. the same in every state? I live in VA, and my friend said I will get -4 points on my record for this ticket, and the ticket will be $130 including court processing. Should I go to court? Is there a chance I will get a lesser ticket amount? I'm 17 years old.

Also, my friend also said it will be smartest to take a driving class where I can obtain +5 points on my record before the court date, to show the judge I guess. Is this a smart thing to do?

Oh god, any advise please?

Thanks a lot.
Dan

[fredjacksonsan]

Dan, I'm in VA also. 15 mph over is 4 points. I'd sign up for the class, (5 good points) and let the judge know that you signed up for it when it's your turn to speak. I think you can only have 3 positive (good) points, so definitely take the class after your court date. Different jurisdictions have different fines and court costs but 130 sounds about right if you lose.

If you do go to court, there's a chance the judge will let you off. But if you DON'T, you will definitely get the fine and the points. So definitely go, dress neatly like the judge would like (as mentioned in the other post) and be respectful.

Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Dan, I'm in VA also. 15 mph over is 4 points. I'd sign up for the class, (5 good points) and let the judge know that you signed up for it when it's your turn to speak. I think you can only have 3 positive (good) points, so definitely take the class after your court date. Different jurisdictions have different fines and court costs but 130 sounds about right if you lose.

If you do go to court, there's a chance the judge will let you off. But if you DON'T, you will definitely get the fine and the points. So definitely go, dress neatly like the judge would like (as mentioned in the other post) and be respectful.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info man. What I'm going to try for is get the judge to dismiss the case and take the driver improvement class.

But I'm not sure which method would be best: Don't sign up for anything until I go to court, where then I would give my little speach and request to take the class; or sign up and take the entire class before the court date and bring the certificate or whatever..

Which would be my best bet to look best infront of the judge? I mean, if I take the class before court date, will the judge think I'm even more responsible, or the opposite?

Thanks,
Dan

[MARS]

Check your state's DMV Website. They MIGHT list how many points your violation is. Also, if eligible for traffic school, you might be able to take that class online as well. Good Luck!!

[fredjacksonsan]

I'd sign up for the class before the court date, and schedule the class for after the court date. You could then show the judge the confirmation paper and tell him you've already signed up for the class.

Of course, it all depends on the judge but that's what has worked for me....

[ronman]

Laws vary from state to state, but in some jurisdictions in Michigan the magistrate gives you traffic school which costs you 50 bucks, plus maybe a reduced fine depending on your driving record. The great thing about this deal is the ticket goes on the record as "impeding traffic" which is not a moving violatoin so you don't have to pay higher insurance premiums. Well worth it in the long run. Maybe they'll give you a similar deal where you live.