Any severe traffic offence experts out there?

[F4disneyfan]

same in this area. No shows are common, because officers schedules don't match up with court times/dates. It is tough enough to get a full compliment of officers for a shift, so they can't/don't change shifts for all court appearances.

Exactly our officers will get scheduled for court appearances and if the date changes for any reason they do not get the schedule updated so they don't show up.

 

[riu girl]

OP here:

I just wanted to say THANKS to everyone who has responded so far (also thanks to those who sent me the awesome pms).

It just burns me that I have a perfect driving record, work two part time jobs 7 days a week (that add up to more then full time hours) and then this happens. It is going to increase our auto plus his bike insurance for years I'm sure.

Obviously I am barely talking to DH right now, but I will print this thread out for him to read and he can decide what he wants to do.

Again, you guys have no idea how much I appreciate everyones thoughts/suggestions/personal stories on this subject.

btw, for the person who asked: DH rides a 2007 Honda 919. I told him that he needs to look into a bike club that has access to Mosport since I just can't tolerate this type of behaviour. I mean what happened was terrible and will end up costing us quite a bit of $, but in reality it could have been much worse. Lets face it, he could have injured/killed an innocent person/family. I am just in shock over the fact that a 43 year old person could have been so stupid.

 

[ahalla]

ok here goes, avoid points, they are sammers, and rip off artist's, and yeah they were ex cops, for a reason !

you can defend yourself...


goto the court and ask for a trial date, and also fill out the form for "full disclosure" they will provide an exact copy of the officers notes, so you can see what he recorded.

after receipt of 'full disclosure" call the court and ask to speak to the crown prosecutor, and beg and plead for a lesser charge, maybe the passing on a double line ( they will usually bend in your favour)

the officer cannot add charges at a later date, he just wants to avoid going to court to fight.

and finally insurance is going to hurt, how old is your husband 16? sure acts like one.[/QUOT

First of all ex cops implies that they were either fired or left their job involuntarily! The majority are retired cops! And honestly if you don't want to pay the fine...don't commit the act! Period! It's funny how most people want to blame the cop for doing his/her job!
In our area, the justices don't take stunt driving lightly and will not accept pleas on any charges that are already reduced on the roadside!
Imagine that you are the first person on scene after this behaviour has caused a serious accident! My dh has, and it's not something he wants to ever have to repeat! But nobody ever thinks about this when doing this stupid stuff or cursing out the cop who caught you!
The cops in our area are required to go to court regardless. My dh is on nights this week, and yet in the middle of that, is still required to go to court!

Sorry needed to vent but I am tired to people always accusing the cops of being anything but honest because they don't want to admit that did something stupid and got caught!

 

[Ham Ham]

I find it odd some cops spend years handing out the tickets then once retired they defend the folks who get the tickets.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I am just in shock over the fact that a 43 year old person could have been so stupid.

I think it's a proven fact that age has nothing to do with intelligence or maturity.

 

[Tantor]

I find it odd some cops spend years handing out the tickets then once retired they defend the folks who get the tickets.

I would imagine there is fairly good money to be made by doing this.

 

[pkitty]

Folks - The OPP has "court officers" whose sole responsibility is to ensure that every officer is scheduled for court.....doesn't mean anything...off duty, on duty, nights, days....they are required to show. When Dh is on vacation in March all of his cases will be moved to ensure that he is not required in court during that time. He will work nights and come right of the road and go to court, sometimes until 5 in the afternoon and come home only to go back on nights again. Can't speak for municipal forces but if every cop out there had "being on the road" or scheduling conflicts as a reason for not showing in court....no one would ever be in court. Trust me Dh just got back from POA (Provincial Offenses Court) 10 minutes ago....on his day off. As I said earlier, there is zero tolerance with the OPP and I don't know any of the guys on the "job" who would be willing to risk their employment and performance review just to be a no show in court for some careless "joe public" who deserves to be there in the first place. Can't speak for those who have cavalier friend coppers who don't show for court but I think that they are exceptions to the law (Police Services Act - this is considered a "neglect of duty"). Dh has 21 years on ...the first 5 with Metro T.O and the balance with the OPP......never missed court once (in POA court he can have up to 28 driving cases up in one day....he'd be missing all of those....not just one).....just trying to correct some misconceptions out there.

 

[Ham Ham]

I would imagine there is fairly good money to be made by doing this.

Money aside, you've spent you whole career on enforcing laws and then you take the knowledge you've learned to defend the folks who your ex-colleagues give tickets to.

It's like being a vegan you whole life then once retire you raise cattle and eat steaks the rest of your life.

 

[markopolo]

It's a hard one to fight. Is he trying to say he didn't do it? Or is he trying to justify why its okay to do that? Since it's not like he's being charged with a serious crime, it might be a better idea to just pay whatever fines he has to pay.
If he goes to court, say once or twice, right off, thats time off work, and gas money, plus if he 'fights' and loses, the penalties can be worse. And I really don't see how you argue something like this. Its not like a speeding ticket.

 

[talicskai]

OP here:

I mean what happened was terrible and will end up costing us quite a bit of $, but in reality it could have been much worse. Lets face it, he could have injured/killed an innocent person/family. I am just in shock over the fact that a 43 year old person could have been so stupid.

Tell him to sell the bike to pay for the increase in your car insurance and the fine. He needs to grow up.

 

[lisalonglash]

I really don't understand the majority of these replies

My dh rides a bike and has for years. He would NEVER endanger himself and/or others by doing something stupid like the OP's dh did. Never. OP, I feel for you, this whole situation must be so incredibly frustrating for you

For anyone who does make the decision to stuntdrive or decides to street race or chooses to perform any other maneuver that puts the rider and/or everyone else ín the vicinity at risk (this is NOT directed at anyone in particular!):

Why do you think it's acceptable to fight the well-deserved charges and/or points? You made a bad decision and you need to face the consequences. Blaming the officer that "caught" you or blaming anyone other than yourself is immature. You were doing something wrong. Period.

Maybe it's me, but I really do not understand the mindset that finds excuses for actions like this - excuses that aim to remove all responsibility for one's poor decisions.

I just don't get it

 

[gallam5]

BUT If it were my husband - I WOULD BE THE ONE SELLING THE BIKE!!!