Got a Speeding Ticket Today :(

You can't be serious. Are you expecting sympathy because you got a ticket for 2.5X over the speed limit instead of 2x over the speed limit when by your own admission you don't know how fast you were going? Even if you were "only" going 60 in a 30, it sounds like you got exactly what you deserved. Best of luck in court!

 

If you were in second and nowhere near the redline you were also nowhere near 74 mph. Give it to an attorney and relax.

 

How can he prove he wasn't near red line in 3rd? {Or wherever 74 mph is?}

Radar, ticket, court = pay up.

 

Why is he a pig and needs to die because you were out doing 2.5X the speed limit? And it is waste not waist.

 

Redline in 2nd is somewhere around 70, maybe 75. 3rd gear reaches mid 90's. 4th can get you into "take my license" territory. Personally, I am always careful to be not far off the speed limit in congested or residential areas.

Dave

 

Huh? Seriously? You blame him for your actions? It seems like he was nice to you - I'm guessing he could have taken you to jail for that kind of infraction. He was just doing his job.

Nice attitude.

Peter

 

With a comment like that--you are a freakin toolbag!!!!!! Maybe you will drop dead instead and you won't have to worry about it....

 

He's a police officer. Sworn to protect... you.


Peter

 

I've never been so offended on F-Chat as I am reading this statement. I may not post a lot but I lurk here all the time and joking or not that's the most immature and distasteful thing I've seen. Please be more careful in the future to NOT speed... ESPECIALLY in residential areas. My opinions of your actions aside, let this be an important lesson learned.

 

I'm not judging you, but realize that you were written up for 44 mph over the speed limit (74 in a 30 zone).
That is a whopper of a ticket.
This may have some very serious consequences when you get to court.

Did he mark that it was "Reckless Driving" on the ticket?
If yes, that is a serious charge these days. Similar to a DUI charge.

Here is an attorney's link in Florida about how serious Reckess Driving charges can be:
http://www.ticketlawyer.com/reckless.htm

You could be facing some jail time even for the first offense (up to 90 days).
It probably would be worth talking to an attorney before your court date.
I don't know how it works in Florida but here in Virginia your attorney needs to negotiate a deal with the district attorney's office before the court date.

Also, I would not tell the judge that you think you were only going 55 to 60 in a 30 zone. If you say that in court, you are admitting to the crime of doing 25 - 30 mph over the speed limit. Here in Virginia, anything that is 20 mph or more over the speed limit is mandated to be categorized as reckless driving.

 

Maybe your wife could log on to your account and tell us what she thinks? When the Judge takes away your license, would you let her drive the Ferrari alone?

Peter

 

in VA that is what about a $10k ticket these days?

 

Nevermind - looked at our new speeding laws here in Virginia, and the numbers have gotten crazy. Up to $3550 for 15 mph over, plus $100 a year for the points.

It has certainly made me much more careful.

Peter

 

Yes, I think it is similar to a DUI level of fine, so it would be a lot.
Penalties for reckless driving seem to be more strongly enforced in the Northern Virginia counties (Fairfax and Loudoun counties).

Also, the fact that the speeding was done in a new Ferrari will probably work against the guy in the judge's eyes. Or worse yet, if it ever gets to a jury trial.

 

You will probably first see the DA. He will make an offer for a guilty plea. If you don't accept the deal you will have to set a court date and see a judge.

I was doing 85 in a 55. The atty advised that I go and see what the DA offered. It was $70 and 3 points. (it's usually 4 pts for 10 mph over). I had a good driving record. 12 points in a year you lose your license and go to driving school in Colorado. I paid my ticket with a credit card and got frequent flyer miles.

Dress nicely, bathe and be polite. I was the only one there without tattoos and had a bath. Good luck.

BTW isn't your wife the one that wants to drive your Fcar w/o you in the car?

 

+1

I think the officer just doing his job.

 

This thread can only end well.

 

No wonder I keep seeing articles about people leaving the scene of an accident. I bet we will be seeing a bunch more of that down here in Florida. As for Virginia if you are 20 over I guess you might as well floor it and try to get away. In NY there is a great percentage of people who flee after a DUI accident and try to hide and get sober. These laws are rediculous IMO. The police have way to much power of opinion to wreck someones life just because....

Life was a lot more fun when I was 18. I can't imagine how bad it will be 50 years from now. Sad to say but really I am glad I won't be here for it, but feel bad for those who will.

 

Scott,

Get discovery on the ticket. Verify that all of the cops paperwork is in order and that the gun was properly calibrated. Then you will be able to negotiate from strength when you see the prosecutor. If any of the paperwork is out of order, the case should be dismissed.

Regards,

Art S.

PS. Assuming what you described is correct, just chalk it up to a brain fart - I've gotten wrapped up in the glorious noise my car was making only to look down at the speedo and realize I was speeding - it happens.

PPS. the cop offering to put in a good word may be very helpful with the prosecutor - don't dismiss it. Oh, and for god's sake don't wish him to drop dead in a public forum!

 

Look around for traffic attorneys. We have some here. I've used one, he charged about $200 and got the ticket reduced to a no seatbelt $25 fine. I had another attorney talk to the judge and DA right before court and got it dropped to a $50 fine and court costs, but it didn't go on my record and the judge "lost" the ticket.