How bad is this? (22 over)

[Pavlo]

I got a ticket for going 77 in 55. The usual speed limit there is 65, but because of the construction zone, it was 55. The cop did not say that it was construction zone in the ticket though.
I am 17 years old, drive an import, this is my first offense, and I can't afford a lawyer.
What are my best options?

[PlayStation3]

your best bet is to go in like a gentle men all nice and clean cut , looking fresh and take it like a man and hope that they don't charge you with reckless driving ( going above 15+ speed limit) in a contruction zone. btw that ticket is going to be a bitch to pay.

[Pavlo]

The Judge won't know that it is construction zone. I called DMV and they said that it is $163, but I also want to take driving school to remove the points off my record, and thats why I need to go to court.
I think I'll just dress really nicely, make myself nice and proffecional looking and just take it.
Should I plead guilty or not guilty though?

[ilgoldstein]

Youre lucky the ticket didn't mention the construction zone, in CA they double the fine. You might want to call the court clerk to see if you can find out the judge's policy on traffic school. You will need to plead guilty. Might want to ask the Judge. Remember, the judge is always "Your Honor" and sometimes, Sir (or Ma'am.) Be nice and polite and maybe explain it's the first time you even have been in court so you are a little nervous.

Being polite and contrite won't cost you anything, and will save you grief.

[rubix777]

I'd just pay it and take traffic school to get rid of 1 point.

[Pavlo]

It's not one point here, it removes up to four, in my case I have a 4-point violation.
Well, I just came back from court, the total fine is 161 with the court fee included (original is 115), the clerk lowered it to 14mph over (0 points added ), thanks to my "replaced speedometer" invoice, which actually still doesn't work sometimes.

[BLU CIVIC]

came out good...what state are you in...i know in NC you can do a Prayer for Judgement

[Pavlo]

GA, in my city court the cop doesn't have to show up for court unless you plead not-guilty, then they reset the date and then the cop does have to show up.