First ticket (Speeding 16 over + no insur.)

[VinceYoung10]

Hi all, I'm new here but I was wondering what kind of advise you could provide me with.

I'm 19, was 18 at the time of my ticket... (3 months ago) I got pulled over for speeding, going 56 in a 40.. I never take the road I was on and just presumed that it was a 55 speed limit, my fault... I can man up for that.

Anyways, I had no insurance at the time of the ticket... I do now. My Courtesy Notice says that my bail amount is $846, which sucks... but again, it was my fault, so I'll accept it.

I've got it all saved up and ready to go, and I get to go to court this Monday.. I was just wondering what exactly I'll have to do and what would you guys do?

Must I stand before the judge or do I just pay and show proof of insurance at the traffic window? Will they lower the ticket at all, will they add any small fees? How many points? Can I request driving school or community service or anything?

Sorry about all the questions, I'm just a bit nervous. Any and all help is much appreciated.. have a nice day!

[fredjacksonsan]

If you're going to try to have the ticket lowered, don't plead guilty. But depending on how they got you you might not have much to work with there.

My approach in this situation would be to be honest w/the judge. "Your honor, that was my first time on that road, I thought it was 55 mph speed limit. I had only been on the road for a short while and hadn't seen any speed limit signs."

When you go to court, watch to see how it goes with the people that go before you (hopefully you won't be first!).

When it's your turn, they'll read the charges and ask how you plead. Tell the judge you would like to plead no contest, and ask if you can make a statement. Then say something like what I put above, and ask the judge for leniency - especially if you don't have any other tickets (and say so). The judge will have a printout of your driving record, so don't lie.

Good luck with it, let us know how it comes out.

[Pavlo]

Do what he said, and make sure you are polite, nicely dressed (a suit is nicely dressed), and in your situation I agree about telling the truth.