Got my first ticket...

briiannj · 04-11-2012, 03:35 PM

So I got my first ticket and basically its just all bad luck. My town is notorious in jersey for strict law enforcement, thus I almost never speed and just do my best to avoid police here. However last night while coming back from work the guy infront of me was going no more than 35 in a 45, and at times even put his blinker on at curves in the road (?). I was tired and I just wanted to get home so when I reached the point where the road was straight and legally passable I went to pass him. Of course the one place where never in my time living in my town have I seen a cop, a cop was there, and radar-ed me passing the guy since i didn't see him until i was already in the other lane. Thus even with my PBA card and a clean record he gave me a ticket for 1-9MPH over and said he cut me a break by knocking me down from how fast he actually had me going at like 15.

My dilemma is that now I'm not sure what to do, I'm only 19 and this is a 2 point ticket so I don't want my insurance to sky-rocket when its already expensive here. A good cop friend of mine said I can either plead guilty for an "unsafe driving" charge where I would pay a $400 fine instead of $85 but not get any points, or I can pay the ticket and get the points and then simply take a defensive driving course online shortly after to eliminate the 2 points and pay about $40 for that.

I really just don't want the huge hike in insurance so I'm not sure what the better option is..any advice? And yes before anyone mentions the speeding, I know it was wrong but who doesn't and like I said I don't usually speed. Thanks in advance guys.

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Innocent_Stud · 04-11-2012, 10:14 PM

Sounds similar to my situation back in October... Except I had another charge but that got dropped in court by my lawyer.

Where in North NJ were you? It wasn't by a NJSP trooper right? Because from my experience, they don't take PBA cards. I'm not much older than you truthfully so I'll just tell you what happened with me.

Got a pretty good town lawyer, got all charges dropped to 2 points so I only had 2 points for "careless driving" and then I took an online driving course (6 hours...) for around 45 bucks to drop the remaining 2 points.

For your situation, since you've had a clean record and it's your first offense, you should be okay in terms of points and insurance. You can likely plead guilty to drop that charge with no points. You'll end up paying more money but trust me, it's worth it.

And NJ insurance is expensive for anyone under age 25. Trust me, I know. And it sucks. My experience with the NJSP trooper was bad. He was a dick and disrespectful but go figure. What else is new.

briiannj · 04-12-2012, 05:19 PM

yeah no it wasn't a statey, just a local cop. I live in Long Valley and cops usually let you go with a PBA or at least give you an obstruction of view ticket.. I've heard stories of how some of the NJSP won't even take a gold card if you have one, only good thing is they always tend to pick the same spots to sit around on 78

But yeah so I guess I'll just pay the larger fine in order to avoid the ticket and escape the insurance hike that would come with the points.

Innocent_Stud · 04-13-2012, 12:48 AM

The NJSP are all over on the Turnpike from my experience and Route 80 up in North NJ. Hard to avoid since they can be anywhere with a Laser LIDAR gun.

I know when the weather is clear (sunny or night) with no rain, and during warmer temperatures of the year especially summer, that they're most certainly out camping hideouts and highway medians.

I'd rather take my chances to speed up a little bit during the colder season like Winter and under very light rain.

briiannj · 04-13-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innocent_Stud

I'd rather take my chances to speed up a little bit during the colder season like Winter and under very light rain.

Agreed, lazy as **** some of these guys so I've witnessed the same trend with winter.

06E55 · 04-13-2012, 06:39 PM

Go to court and ask for a PJC. Since it was your first ticket, it should be granted. Pay court costs and call it a day...

drawde · 04-13-2012, 06:41 PM

Go to court, you'll pay a surcharge (i think $250) and they'll drop it down to something like unsafe operation of a vehicle (no points). You can do it twice.. i've heard every 5 years, or twice total, not sure which one it is these days.

briiannj · 04-14-2012, 10:19 PM

the "unsafe driving" thing is what you're thinking about, and its about $450.

but here's an update...I was looking at the ticket today and I noticed that there seems to be a mistake on it. What it looks like is he wrote down I was doing 34 in a 45, I think he meant to put down 54 but it looks like is a 3 and so far 4 people I've asked confirmed it doesn't look like a five, especially since its nothing like the 5 he wrote when writing down 45.

So would it be worth it to go in and fight the ticket saying that the I don't understand what is illegal about going under the speed limit and the ticket would be dismissed? Its just another option I may factor into my debate..

06E55 · 04-15-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by briiannj

the "unsafe driving" thing is what you're thinking about, and its about $450.

but here's an update...I was looking at the ticket today and I noticed that there seems to be a mistake on it. What it looks like is he wrote down I was doing 34 in a 45, I think he meant to put down 54 but it looks like is a 3 and so far 4 people I've asked confirmed it doesn't look like a five, especially since its nothing like the 5 he wrote when writing down 45.

So would it be worth it to go in and fight the ticket saying that the I don't understand what is illegal about going under the speed limit and the ticket would be dismissed? Its just another option I may factor into my debate..

I have gotten off on technicalities before... I had an officer write the wrong date on the ticket and I brought proof that I was at work on that date and that time and I had the case dismissed. Here's the thing though... Make sure NOT to say anything prior to the case about your defense. He has right up until the moment your case begins to change the ticket. Then let him plead his case first and then present your argument... The thing is though, the judge could side with the officer depending on what it looks like... Have a copy of the ticket that you can post?

jerseyMLdriver · 04-15-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drawde

Go to court, you'll pay a surcharge (i think $250) and they'll drop it down to something like unsafe operation of a vehicle (no points). You can do it twice.. i've heard every 5 years, or twice total, not sure which one it is these days.

Its about $500 after court fees. I had a 5 point tailgating ticket that I got dropped down to unsafe driving ticket. Its well worth the try but from what I can remember is that you can't get more than 1 of these every 5 years. I remember the judge asking me if I had had one of these in the last 5 years.

It was awhile ago though. It must have been like almost 7 years ago by now.

briiannj · 04-15-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06E55

I have gotten off on technicalities before... I had an officer write the wrong date on the ticket and I brought proof that I was at work on that date and that time and I had the case dismissed. Here's the thing though... Make sure NOT to say anything prior to the case about your defense. He has right up until the moment your case begins to change the ticket. Then let him plead his case first and then present your argument... The thing is though, the judge could side with the officer depending on what it looks like... Have a copy of the ticket that you can post?

Moviela · 04-15-2012, 07:34 PM

You have a bad ticket. If you go in on your own and ask for dismissal they will treat you as a smart *** and find you guilty.

Hire an attorney. In a 30 second hearing he will have it thrown out. Should cost you about $200.

briiannj · 04-16-2012, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moviela

You have a bad ticket. If you go in on your own and ask for dismissal they will treat you as a smart *** and find you guilty.

Hire an attorney. In a 30 second hearing he will have it thrown out. Should cost you about $200.

not alone most likely with my dad since i've never done it before but he has. and wouldnt it make sense then to go in and just ask for a PJC at that point (as mentioned in a previous comment) and then pay $100 less..not sure an attorney is necessary

Innocent_Stud · 04-16-2012, 05:03 AM

Wait. Speeding 34 mph in a 45 mph zone? Can you get that thrown out right away?

briiannj · 04-16-2012, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innocent_Stud

Wait. Speeding 34 mph in a 45 mph zone? Can you get that thrown out right away?

thats what im saying, i realized this when looking at the ticket a 2 days ago

tommy · 04-16-2012, 10:09 AM

It's clearly checked that you were in excess speed limit by 1-9mph. So I don't think your pointing out the "3" would do anything other than irritate the officer/ADA/judge, especially since it's obvious that it should be 54 in a 45; the "g" above is making it look worse than it is.

Just go to court; the ADA will pull you aside, make a deal with you, and you'll get off and pay a couple of hundred and not be guilty of speeding. Just be early for your case, and you'll be fine. No need for a paid mouthpiece.

Moviela · 04-16-2012, 04:17 PM

Even if you are an attorney, you are foolish to step into Court without representation. It is their ball game, don't show up without a mitt!

tommy · 04-16-2012, 04:51 PM

It's his first ticket for god's sake, he's not Vin Diesel, livin' life a quarter mile at a time.

06E55 · 04-16-2012, 09:41 PM

It's clearly a 5 on the ticket (I am no handwriting expert, but if you compare the three 5 that are clearly 5s on the ticket, you will see they are all extremely similar in appearance. If you compare the 3 in 34 against his other 3 in the notice to appear date, you will see the 3s are similar as well). The thing against you though is he has checked the 1-9MPH box, so a judge would most likely say that it is supposed to be a 54. Honestly dude, I would just show up to court that day, talk to the ADA and get it reduce to a non-moving violation (city code violation, etc.) and call it a day. If that doesn't happen, just go into the court room and ask for a PJC (prayer for judgment continued). Then don't get a ticket for another three years or then both of the tickets will unwelcomly show up on your insurance!

And to those talking about hiring a lawyer... I could see if it was a more serious violation, or you had other violations on your record, but honestly, for a simple traffic ticket, unless you just don't have the time, hiring a lawyer is a waste of money... The ADAs will give a regular person pretty much the same deal as they do traffic lawyers... It's just if you don't have the time to show up, hiring a traffic lawyer is beneficial...

briiannj · 04-16-2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06E55

It's clearly a 5 on the ticket (I am no handwriting expert, but if you compare the three 5 that are clearly 5s on the ticket, you will see they are all extremely similar in appearance. If you compare the 3 in 34 against his other 3 in the notice to appear date, you will see the 3s are similar as well). The thing against you though is he has checked the 1-9MPH box, so a judge would most likely say that it is supposed to be a 54. Honestly dude, I would just show up to court that day, talk to the ADA and get it reduce to a non-moving violation (city code violation, etc.) and call it a day. If that doesn't happen, just go into the court room and ask for a PJC (prayer for judgment continued). Then don't get a ticket for another three years or then both of the tickets will unwelcomly show up on your insurance!

And to those talking about hiring a lawyer... I could see if it was a more serious violation, or you had other violations on your record, but honestly, for a simple traffic ticket, unless you just don't have the time, hiring a lawyer is a waste of money... The ADAs will give a regular person pretty much the same deal as they do traffic lawyers... It's just if you don't have the time to show up, hiring a traffic lawyer is beneficial...

that's what i'm thinking... ill see if I can get the ticket dropped to something like obstruction of view by the prosecutor since its my first offense and only listed as going 9 over, as my friend told me he went in for a speeding ticket going 76 in a 45 and since he hadn't gotten a ticket in over 20 years they dropped it down to that and he walked out. if that doesnt work out then i'll just follow through with the PJC you mentioned

Das Geld 2 · 04-16-2012, 11:34 PM

Just delay it 3 times and hope the officer doesn't show up.

04-13-2012, 06:41 PM	#7
drawde Super Member 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 903 Drives: 2009 C63	Go to court, you'll pay a surcharge (i think $250) and they'll drop it down to something like unsafe operation of a vehicle (no points). You can do it twice.. i've heard every 5 years, or twice total, not sure which one it is these days. __________________ Tapatalk on MBWorld << TAPATALK USERS PLEASE SHOW SUPPORT ! 2009 Steel Grey C63 - Grey/Black AMG Leather [x] 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector [x] Evosport Painted Side Markers [x] Eurocharged ECU Tune [x] BMC Air Filters [x] 20% Window Tint [ ] Charcoal Filter Delete Last edited by drawde; 04-13-2012 at 06:43 PM.

04-16-2012, 10:09 AM	#16
tommy MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Westwood, NJ Posts: 8,989 Drives: 2002 C230	It's clearly checked that you were in excess speed limit by 1-9mph. So I don't think your pointing out the "3" would do anything other than irritate the officer/ADA/judge, especially since it's obvious that it should be 54 in a 45; the "g" above is making it look worse than it is. Just go to court; the ADA will pull you aside, make a deal with you, and you'll get off and pay a couple of hundred and not be guilty of speeding. Just be early for your case, and you'll be fine. No need for a paid mouthpiece. __________________ 2002 Ccoupe, smurfalicious: OE chipped, RennTech pullied & rear spoiler, Carlsson lip, 18" OZ ultraleggera rims, RogueEngineering stud conversion, Eibach Pro springs/Koni Sport struts, Eibach swaybars, Supersprint headers, Eisenmann race exhaust, Magnaflow cat, Classic Soft Trim interior w/driver's Recaro Sport seat, clear OEM projector headlights, Sparco Racing shiftknob, Lightning Autosports alcantara shiftboot w/ Simoni gated shift surround

04-16-2012, 04:51 PM	#18
tommy MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Westwood, NJ Posts: 8,989 Drives: 2002 C230	It's his first ticket for god's sake, he's not Vin Diesel, livin' life a quarter mile at a time. __________________ 2002 Ccoupe, smurfalicious: OE chipped, RennTech pullied & rear spoiler, Carlsson lip, 18" OZ ultraleggera rims, RogueEngineering stud conversion, Eibach Pro springs/Koni Sport struts, Eibach swaybars, Supersprint headers, Eisenmann race exhaust, Magnaflow cat, Classic Soft Trim interior w/driver's Recaro Sport seat, clear OEM projector headlights, Sparco Racing shiftknob, Lightning Autosports alcantara shiftboot w/ Simoni gated shift surround

04-16-2012, 11:34 PM	#21
Das Geld 2 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1,489	Just delay it 3 times and hope the officer doesn't show up. __________________ -I do not see why man should not be just as cruel as nature. -A fisherman always sees another fisherman from afar. -The plaque for the alternates is down in the ladies room.

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04-11-2012, 10:14 PM	#2
Innocent_Stud Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Middlesex, NJ Posts: 342 Drives: 03 Nissan Altima 2.5S, 07 MB GL450	Sounds similar to my situation back in October... Except I had another charge but that got dropped in court by my lawyer. Where in North NJ were you? It wasn't by a NJSP trooper right? Because from my experience, they don't take PBA cards. I'm not much older than you truthfully so I'll just tell you what happened with me. Got a pretty good town lawyer, got all charges dropped to 2 points so I only had 2 points for "careless driving" and then I took an online driving course (6 hours...) for around 45 bucks to drop the remaining 2 points. For your situation, since you've had a clean record and it's your first offense, you should be okay in terms of points and insurance. You can likely plead guilty to drop that charge with no points. You'll end up paying more money but trust me, it's worth it. And NJ insurance is expensive for anyone under age 25. Trust me, I know. And it sucks. My experience with the NJSP trooper was bad. He was a dick and disrespectful but go figure. What else is new.

04-12-2012, 05:19 PM	#3
briiannj Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: North Jersey Posts: 34 Drives: C	yeah no it wasn't a statey, just a local cop. I live in Long Valley and cops usually let you go with a PBA or at least give you an obstruction of view ticket.. I've heard stories of how some of the NJSP won't even take a gold card if you have one, only good thing is they always tend to pick the same spots to sit around on 78 But yeah so I guess I'll just pay the larger fine in order to avoid the ticket and escape the insurance hike that would come with the points.

04-13-2012, 12:48 AM	#4
Innocent_Stud Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Middlesex, NJ Posts: 342 Drives: 03 Nissan Altima 2.5S, 07 MB GL450	The NJSP are all over on the Turnpike from my experience and Route 80 up in North NJ. Hard to avoid since they can be anywhere with a Laser LIDAR gun. I know when the weather is clear (sunny or night) with no rain, and during warmer temperatures of the year especially summer, that they're most certainly out camping hideouts and highway medians. I'd rather take my chances to speed up a little bit during the colder season like Winter and under very light rain.

04-13-2012, 06:39 PM	#6
06E55 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,164 Drives: 2006 E55, 2012 Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible, 2014 Kia Sorento SXL AWD	Go to court and ask for a PJC. Since it was your first ticket, it should be granted. Pay court costs and call it a day...

04-14-2012, 10:19 PM	#8
briiannj Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: North Jersey Posts: 34 Drives: C	the "unsafe driving" thing is what you're thinking about, and its about $450. but here's an update...I was looking at the ticket today and I noticed that there seems to be a mistake on it. What it looks like is he wrote down I was doing 34 in a 45, I think he meant to put down 54 but it looks like is a 3 and so far 4 people I've asked confirmed it doesn't look like a five, especially since its nothing like the 5 he wrote when writing down 45. So would it be worth it to go in and fight the ticket saying that the I don't understand what is illegal about going under the speed limit and the ticket would be dismissed? Its just another option I may factor into my debate..

04-15-2012, 07:34 PM	#12
Moviela MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 2,532 Drives: 2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)	You have a bad ticket. If you go in on your own and ask for dismissal they will treat you as a smart *** and find you guilty. Hire an attorney. In a 30 second hearing he will have it thrown out. Should cost you about $200.

04-16-2012, 05:03 AM	#14
Innocent_Stud Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Middlesex, NJ Posts: 342 Drives: 03 Nissan Altima 2.5S, 07 MB GL450	Wait. Speeding 34 mph in a 45 mph zone? Can you get that thrown out right away?

04-16-2012, 04:17 PM	#17
Moviela MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 2,532 Drives: 2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)	Even if you are an attorney, you are foolish to step into Court without representation. It is their ball game, don't show up without a mitt!

04-16-2012, 09:41 PM	#19
06E55 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,164 Drives: 2006 E55, 2012 Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible, 2014 Kia Sorento SXL AWD	It's clearly a 5 on the ticket (I am no handwriting expert, but if you compare the three 5 that are clearly 5s on the ticket, you will see they are all extremely similar in appearance. If you compare the 3 in 34 against his other 3 in the notice to appear date, you will see the 3s are similar as well). The thing against you though is he has checked the 1-9MPH box, so a judge would most likely say that it is supposed to be a 54. Honestly dude, I would just show up to court that day, talk to the ADA and get it reduce to a non-moving violation (city code violation, etc.) and call it a day. If that doesn't happen, just go into the court room and ask for a PJC (prayer for judgment continued). Then don't get a ticket for another three years or then both of the tickets will unwelcomly show up on your insurance! And to those talking about hiring a lawyer... I could see if it was a more serious violation, or you had other violations on your record, but honestly, for a simple traffic ticket, unless you just don't have the time, hiring a lawyer is a waste of money... The ADAs will give a regular person pretty much the same deal as they do traffic lawyers... It's just if you don't have the time to show up, hiring a traffic lawyer is beneficial...

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