Got a ticket...

[Beef66]

Well I got my first speeding ticket, it was on sunday on the way to the beach...I live in pa and was on my way to virginia, 74 in a 55 in maryland. I still cant believe how i got pulled over though, We saw somebody in the middle of the road waving us over, I had to swerve to miss him then realized it was a state trooper, So i pull off the side of the road as he casually drives up behind me with no lights or anything on...biggest asshole cop Ive ever had to deal with

[Igovert500]

How fast were you actually going, and what method did he use to pull you over, ie, radar, laser, etc? My general rule with any speeding ticket is to plea not guilty. You can usually bargain it down some, and at 19mph over, you definantly want to.

(I'm going to move this to the traffic violation section, but leave the link in the 3S section, so people can see it.)

Know I don't know how the Maryland courts work, so I don't know if hte cop or a district attorney will prosecute. If it's the cop, and he was as much of a prick as you say he was, then that isn't good. As 8 times out of 10, he wont really want to bargain you down...but rather be a prick and teach you a lesson. On the other hand, even after all that, you could still talk to the judge and ask for leniency.

Hopefully, somebody will be able to chime in on how Maryland works. If it's a DA or assistant DA, they will probably offer you a bargain to keep you from wasting the court's time.

Now keep in mind, the burden of proof is on the state. So think carefully about the situation. How did you get you, if it was just by sight...he isn't going to be able to prove that you were going 74. If you admitted to it however, he will be able to. So it might be worth actually contesting.

Most important thing, dress up. 9 out of 10 people come in dressed in Metallica t-shirts and jean shorts and are very confrontational...not a good first impression. You are trying to sell yourself as a responsible person, so dress shirt, slacks, and tie. Be polite to everyone, including any secretaries. 'Yes officer', 'Yes your honor', etc.

[Beef66]

He told me he caught me by radar...doing 80 in a 55...wrong since i had cruise set on 75...but he was going to be "nice" and drop it to 74, I was pissed because I didnt even know it dropped to 55, it was 65 for about 50 miles and then it dropped to 55 about a mile before i got pulled over

[G-man422]

thats what you gotta watch out for. they sit RIGHT were the speed limit changes.

[liquidPunk]

yeah... I'm in VA and the state troopers are the worst!... You do have a leg to stand on in court if you dress nice and make a good impression and play up the fact that you are out of state and were unaware of the change in the speed limit... but keep humble and remember they all know that staying under the limit is really your responsibility... but good luck!

[lwpat]

PA does not post out of state tickets to your record. Since it will not show for points or insurance, just go ahead and pay the ticket. You are lucky, an 80 in a 55 is reckless driving in VA with a mandatory court appearance.

[Beef66]

Originally Posted by lwpat

PA does not post out of state tickets to your record. Since it will not show for points or insurance, just go ahead and pay the ticket. You are lucky, an 80 in a 55 is reckless driving in VA with a mandatory court appearance.

Thats exactly what I wanted to hear...Im just gonna pay it tonight and get it over with...

[Igovert500]

Originally Posted by lwpat

PA does not post out of state tickets to your record.

Are you absolutely sure about that? I know some states have reciprocity deals going back and forth. When I still had my NY license and got pulled over in PA, the cop said he knew points would carry over to NJ, but he wasn't sure about NY. So I don't know for sure, but before rushing to go pay htat ticket, it would be a good idea to make sure. Call the DMV or something and double check that. lwpat maybe absolutely right, but better to be safe than sorry. my .02