Got a speeding ticket...I'm so upset

[jessica52877]

Maybe it's because every single one of your posts on this thread has been nasty and judgemental??

OP, chill out - it's just a speeding ticket, not an arrest for mass murder. It happens. I once got a ticket in the middle of a deserted residential neighborhood because a neighbor had complained that people were rolling through a stop sign in front of her house. I was making a 90 degree right turn, but apparently when I hit my brakes the car never came to a complete stop. Whatever - I was clearly trying to stop, because otherwise I would have taken that turn on two wheels!!! I paid it - life went on. The same thing will happen for you.

I talk on my cell phone while I'm driving all the time, btw. I've never had an issue with safe driving.[/QUOTE]

I know this seems harmless to you and I am so sick to my stomache (literally) right now over this. My life has FOREVER changed due to someone talking on their cell phone. FOREVER! I don't think anyone would want to experience what I did because of someone else talking on the phone. Please please just think about this. The person responsible also was a "safe driver" before this incident. I honestly have no idea what people think is so important that they must talk about while driving, taking part of their attention away from what they are doing. PLEASE rethink this!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for the suggestion. This is my first ticket in 22 years. I have never been in any type of legal trouble, so I hope this helps.

I realized today that I do drive with my lights on during the day, and it really dims my speedometer numbers. I've switched to no lights. Rather make sure I'm aware of my speed then to be extra visible.

When you go to court ask the judge or the Prosecuting attorney, if there is a program in your state to make a donation in lieu of the charge. There is in my state. I was charged with speeding, never had a speeding ticket in my life. I did not realize I was going to fast, in all honesty there was no traffic and I was singing , so I could not even argue with the officer. I explained it all when I went to court and was told that since I had nothing else on my record I could pay the entire fine instead of 1/2, which was originally offered, but to a charity. I was happy to pay 100% of the ticket to Lifestar and my money bought a safety helmet for a child. No violation on my license and I found out that up until that time children did not have a properly fitting helmet to be transported with. Best of luck to you.

 

[Karenj2]

Hugs to you, OP. I know what you're going through - I got a ticket for going through a red light once. I had just come back from the infirtility doctor, had been told that none of our eggs survived, was "hopped up" on major amounts of estrogen, and was bawling my eyes out. I still feel that the light was yellow when I went through it, but I obviously wasn't in my right mind. The officer felt sorry for me, but apparently I almost hit him as he was in the opposing traffic going through the intersection. I gladly paid the fine - in fact, I wanted to sent a note to the policeman to apologize for being so emotional...

It is nervewracking to get a ticket, but it isn't the end of the world. And I bet that you'll be extra careful in construction zones now, which is even better!

 

[ceecee]

DH was out to lunch with an associate last week. Another customer was at the same resturant and had two little ones with her, she was talking on her cell phone and buckled the baby in the car seat, the 3 year old wasn't buckled at all. She pulled out in front of DH's car (so busy talking, she didn't see him at all) Then she pulled onto the highway right in front of another car...this time she got hit, the toddler flew from the backseat to the front. DH had to stay to fill out police report since they witnessed the accident, after getting the info the officer said to the lady, I hope your call was really important since you forgot to buckle your child in her seat and she could have been more seriously hurt. She said she didn't realize she hadn't put both into their carseats! Maybe because she was on the phone. I have seen too many accidents caused by cell phone users or almost caused and they don't even know what happened, just drive on their way. They say it's like driving after drinking.
What is so important it can't wait??? Pull over if you have to make a call. You may think you're driving safe, but as a previous poster said it can change someone's life forever.

 

[IluvKingLouis]

Some of you had asked that I post a follow up.

My court date was yesterday afternoon and here's what happened.

First, I spoke to the prosecutor. First words out of his mouth was, "Wow, you have a clean record." I volunteered "My last speeding ticket was 23 years ago."

He said "Welcome to Castle Rock.

I said "I've actually lived here since '91". To which he responded, "Then you must be a very good driver."

I showed proof of insurance, so that charge was dropped. He dropped my penalty from 4 points to 2 points.

Next, I went to the courtroom. I observed 6 people who were ahead of me. Five, out of the six, got busted in the very same construction zone, and commented that it was very confusing and poorly marked. They all got the minimum fine, $201.00 (60 for speeding, $100 for being in a construction zone, $15 court costs, $26 victims compensation fund).

When it was my turn, I too got the minimum. The judge made comments suggesting that this was a poorly marked zone, but due to an ordinance he could not drop the minimum fees. I think he realized the police officer was taking advantage of this situation.

Since then, I've noticed this officer often sits at this location around luchtime, when there are no workers around so there is a propensity to go faster.

Signage is VERY bad, but Colorado state law includes signage as objects other then actual signs. So orange barrels off to the side are enough to declare a construction zone.

Anyway, the police officer made me feel like a criminal and I was so devastated. The prosecutor and judge made me feel like a decent, good, individual again, and it has restored my faith in the court system.

I'd like to thank everyone who provided me with moral support.

 

[fakereadhed]

Thanks for the update! Glad things went so well for you.

 

[HonnyDipp]

To the OP: I'm glad to read the update! Bless your heart, you have had a long 3 weeks havent you? It happens to the best of us! You deserve a hug!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

Thank you both for your kind words of support. I'm so relieved to have this over! I got a little bit beatin' up on this thread, but the majority of you were so kind and understanding. You folks really helped me get through this!

 

[pha1226]

I guess the police need some extra funds in that town. Good for you the judge was reasonable.

 

[Abbeysmom]

Glad to see the update~ I had wondered not long ago how things turned out with you. Glad to hear that things went as well as could be expected. Now, you can hopefully put this behind you and not dwell on it any more.
Monica

 

[Muushka]

I am sad that you got the 2 points. How will that affect your insurance?

 

[IluvKingLouis]

Muushka,

I have no idea. The lawyer who I spoke with over the phone said that often, 2 points will have no impact...but of course, there are no guarantees.

Now, I have heard that if I have no other tickets (I'm hoping to keep clean for another 23 years), then after a few years the insurance rates will drop back to normal.....assuming they go up in the first place.

I'm hoping to be under the radar, but at least I know the increase would just be temporary.

 

[Muushka]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, after I got my 'prayer for judgement' (the one that if I got another thicket, U would get those old points added to the new 'crime') I became a much better driver. I now pretty much do the speed limit, am much more careful about turns, that sort of thing.

The 3 years flew by, that was 8 years ago, and I am still clean. I am sure you will never have this problem again.

Best wishes!

 

[rockyroad]

I have chosen to view tickets as a message from God or Karma or whomever to be more careful.

Thought about it that way, a ticket could be a lifesaver.

And since it has to be paid anyway, it might as well be positive.

 

[Adi12982]

Thank you for the info. I just spoke on the phone to an Atty. He said his fee to represent me would be $750.00, but he seemed to think I'd be ok on my own. Told me I was very articulate and clear about the incident. He felt I'd get points reduced to 2, which often won't even impact insurance. I'm feeling much better about this. I'll talk to DH later to see if we should go with representation. I'd feel a little better with an Atty, but I was encouraged by his encouragement. He felt my clean record would be a big help to me and also the signage issue.

You can definitely do it on your own - Glad you did. DH did and he was able just to pay a lowered fine and court costs and didn't get any points. It was a sign issue too (though with what lane to go straight, which one was turn only). . .

 

[girli565]

Don't feel too bad, I just got into a minor fender bender on my way home from work because a dumb kid was skateboarding in the street and he practically side-swiped me. So because I was watching him I barely braked and bumped the car in front of me.

No damage, thank goodness, so we just went on our way. But it would have been my fault had there been any damage.

 

[holly7347]

I'm sure it all varies from state to state. But here you can go to driving school to make up your points. I think you are only allowed to go once every 2 or 3 years. But you still pay the fine but you don't lose any points and it doesn't get listed on your record so your insurance won't go up. How do I know all this because I'm a speeder and I've been to traffic school 2X's But I'm not sure how the construction zone stuff works. Here they have signs up saying fines are doubled in construction zones - ouch! I did get pulled over once with expired tags - we moved and the notice didn't get forwarded - all I had to do was go get the tags and take my receipt to the judge. So maybe that is why you have to see the judge to show proof of insurance or what ever it was you were missing.