help with speeding ticket (risk 4 points)

[private_ryan]

I heard in NJ you can pay a one time fee and end up with no points. I was told to show up in court and talk to the prosecutor.

How would I approach this /what to say? Does anyone have any experience?

[vivalarev]

1. Never heard that one before....

My mom just got one a few weeks ago and she never mentioned anything about the one time fee. Im sure she would have taken it if it was an option.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. I think they call that a "bribe"

And you pay it directly to the officer before he writes your ticket.

[NJmaverick]

3. You basicly will plea bargin

Municipalities are limited by state law on what they can charge per violation. To get around this many towns will allow you to plea bargin. They give you an offense that has less or no points, but a higher fine. This way you don't pay the insurance points and they get more money.

Other times the judge or prosecuter will cut you a break if you have a good record and are willing to plea. It is well worth the attempt. You just need to show up to discuss it.

[private_ryan]

4. kewl

I'll be there...two weeks from now. Rather pay a one time fee than extra insurance for 3 years

[papau]

5. My favorite is Vermont pleading speeding down to a "non-moving"

violation -

even has a standard fee system for it! And you must use a Vermont lawyer - the court accepts no other!

:-)

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

6. I'd rather pay the state than the FUCKING THIEVING insurance companies

[miss_kitty]

7. did you leave Hawaii?

i thought you quit speeding!
WTF:shrug:

hyps closes down, and the WHOLE WORLD GOES CRAZY :crazy:

[DelawareValleyDem]

8. I got a ticket

for running a red light in Hanover Township. I showed up, spoke to the prosecutor (after waiting in line 1.5 hours), and paid a fine fifty dollars over what was on the ticket in exchange for no points.
I'm not sure if every township/muni court will do this. If you go through with this, ask the prosecutor if they will consider dropping the points in exchange for an additional fine.

[no_hypocrisy]

9. New Jersey traffic lawyer checking in. Here's what you do:

Immediately write a letter to the court, saying that you plead "not guilty". Make a note on your calendar of the time and date of your hearing. SHOW UP. If you don't, the judge will likely put out an arrest warrant for you.

Next. Show up 30 minutes before your hearing to get on line EARLY for the prosecutor. Wear nice clothes. When you do have your conference with the prosecutor, be civil and courteous, friendly.

Plan A) If you have a clean record (no points or accidents 5-10 years), point it out. Politely ask if he would please amend your ticket offense to a 39:4-97.3, a/k/a UNSAFE DRIVING. This carries zero points and a fine between $150 and $200. Bring cash. I don't recommend trying to justify or explain the speeding. You're working against yourself. Stick to the script. And remember to thank both the prosecutor and later, the judge, when your ticket is amended to the new offense of unsafe driving. THAT'S when you answer "Guilty". (Initially when the court takes "roll call", i.e., they call out your name, you answer "not guilty". When the ticket has been taken care of and your case comes up and you hear "Amended" and "39:4-97.3", then you answer "Guilty, Your Honor".)

Plan B) If your driving abstract has other convictions for speeding, etc., you better try explaining without admitting being reckless. (I know, try "carefully" speeding . . . . ). The speeding ticket was an aberation. You never drive that fast (anymore). Etc. Go ahead and ask for the "unsafe driving" again -- and pray. Follow the rest of the instructions in Plan A.

Good luck.

P.S. Plan C) Hire a lawyer. The prosecutor may give you a better a deal if your lawyer asks instead of you. I know, I know, but that's the way it works.