Motometal gets bogus ticket on d-p bike

[a454elk]

Yeah, what's your court date, I'll put in a good word for you, "ding ding".:p:)

 

[motometal]

it's coming up next week I think. Isn't the first one just to plead "not guilty"? I can't remember. If the first date is the real deal, i'd better start preparing my case...

 

[Lorin]

The first court date is typically for admission of guilt, etc., but I have been able to discuss most matters with the judge at that time simply because most times they dont want to have to deal with you again. I would call ahead or show up early and discuss your dilemna with the court clerk and possibly the prosecutor or DA and go from there. Many times, the clerk can bend the judges ear enough to promote some leeway, etc... Take care of the gatekeepers (secretaries, etc.), and often times they may be able to return the favor.

 

[motometal]

sounds like you have much experience in this area, Lorin! :debil:

Is the kind officer who gave me the ticket likely to be present? I wouldn't think so, because it's the same date that's the due date if I just put in a guilty plea and pay it.

If I lose, are there added court costs? There are already court costs on the ticket, but I wasn't sure...

thanks for the help, guys.

ideas for defense?

I was trying to pick up my own litter (but could they turn around and give me a ticket for admitting that I littered?

I was not creating a dangerous situation (this may not fly, otherwise you could argue you were speeding safely, etc.)

My record is clean/this could raise my insurance rates which would be unfair

ignorance of the law

hmmm...what else

 

[Danman]

I don't think its a moving volation is it? If its not it shouldn't do a thing to your insurance rate. If you don't think you can win it ask for Defered Judication (you go a period of time with out getting a ticket in the same county and its wipped from you record) You still have to pay the ticket, but no record so there is no rasie in your insurance.

 

[a454elk]

Bring the judge some flowers or ride you dirtbike into the courtroom, that'll smooth em over!:) Just tell them it was safer to take your bike out there to find your lost property verses parking a car on the shoulder and casuing a scene. The bike is way less intrusive and also add that you couldn't get the troopers to help you find your stuff, they were too busy. Call the local office and ask them what their policy is on helping find lost things on the highway. If they say they don't help like that then use that also. You also didn't want to take away important time from the road officer to help you find your stuff, he has more important things to do, you wanted to handle it yourself. When you call the local office, ask them if it's okay to stop and look for your stuff if you do it safely, if they say it's Ok, don' forget to get their name aand bring that into court too. Sometimes the court will reduce the fine if you plead guilty right then, if not, you have nothing to lose but to fight it. This is something that you know you did but for a good reason, not like speeding over 100 mph and trying to get away with it. You have a valid reason and it's too bad you got someone that didn't use common sense. Good luck

 

[Lew]

Originally posted by a454elk
Bring the judge some flowers or ride you dirtbike into the courtroom, that'll smooth em over!:)

Don't forget to dress in you "RAMBO" garb. That will really score you some points ;)

 

[motometal]

update-I rolled over and paid it this morning. Although I was given a bit of encouragement in regards to fighting it, overall talking with people it sounded like I also had a good chance of losing. And I wasn't going to go unprepared. If I lost there would be more subpeona fees, etc. Just not worth it to me for the stress involved.

Everyone did agree that the cop was a poo poo head, though...

 

[BSWIFT]

Originally posted by motometal
update-I rolled over and paid it this morning.

Not surprising from a non competitive person. ;)

You really did what the officer figured.  Pay the fine because it was more of a hassle to fight it.  Common tactic.

 

[motometal]

huh huh...sure bswift, make me feel bad now...

maybe i'm just getting old and lazy...years ago I fought 2 speeding tickets...
lost badly once but learned, second one I kicked their butt!

 

[a454elk]

Turn in your horn, you're not allowed to possess it anymore.:| :)

 

[Reesknight]

If the officer didn't show up, wouldn't it be thrown out?

 

[motometal]

I talked to someone "in the know" about that (another officer)...he said troopers are required to show up, or they are "written up" for it. Unless of course there was an emergency, etc.

 

[2stroke]

one thing IVe learned...always go. (to court) I have never came away without my situation having been improved. You have court costs, but they will cut the fines for that amount os the total is the same. And yes if officer friendly does not show up, it's thrown out. I have had that happen twice out of perhaps 6 or 7 trips to traffic court over the last 18 years or so.
Once, I got an option to pay a higher fine, and get less points. They will give you probation before judgement for first offenses as well....

 

[toalco-kdx]

You should have just took off. It's no big deal to lose the cops on a dirtbike trust me.lol

 

[motometal]

yes, i've done that several times when I was younger. this particular time it wouldn't have been so easy, he probably would have gotten my plate number anyway.