First off, let me say this:
I wasn’t speeding.
Really.
What I did was slowly roll through a stop sign at a corner in my subdivision on the way out this morning and BAM!
Flashing lights in my rear-view mirror.
Wrong? Absolutely! I’ll be the first to admit that.
But a citation for $160?
In my mind, that’s a bit excessive, but I’ve only been living here for two months and maybe that’s standard in North Carolina.
But what I need to know now is if showing up in court will be beneficial.
The police officer indicated that they might work with me since it’s my first citation here and I haven’t had any citations in the last three years.
So, if you have any experience with traffic violations, give me a clue.
Mail in the $160 and avoid the hassle?
Or go to court and hope for the best?
My First Citation. Some Advice Please?
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April 4, 2007 11:15 a.m.
Trust me ... pay the 75 or 100 bucks an atty will cost... you will save big $$$ in the long run.
April 3, 2007 5:11 p.m.
April 3, 2007 4:57 p.m.
April 3, 2007 3:43 p.m.
April 3, 2007 11:21 a.m.
Having said that, if at all possible, at least show up for your court appearance and ask the DA what your options are. Since the last thing they want to have to deal with is you pleading not-guilty (time involved, arresting officer must be there and testify), they will surely offer a better deal than signing a guilty plea and mailing in the $160. The Prayer for Judgement Continued (PJC) idea is available IF you don't have anything against your record for the last 3 years. However if you do use it, anything else on your record between now and 3 years from now, will cause BOTH to be counted in your insurance points.
Also, assuming this is Wake County, show up about lunchtime - they get really backed up first thing in the morning.
April 3, 2007 10:46 a.m.
April 3, 2007 9:28 a.m.
April 3, 2007 9:25 a.m.
I was advised that instead of doing that, have the lawyer file a defense of a mechnical failure (I forget the exact thing they did). This way it does not appear on your insurance, the costs is less (although technically you are still paying the fine... it just will not show up on your driving record nor will it show up on your insurance).
Do your research and I am sure you will find the answer easy enough.
April 3, 2007 7:40 a.m.
April 3, 2007 4:51 a.m.