going to court

[mt.biker]

Any of you been to court? im gonna be going to try and get my charges dropped any tips?

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

I've been twice to traffic court (nothing major, just speeding, passing in a no pass). The judge was kind of an ass the first time and didn't reduce my fine much when I pled guilty. The second time, I explained the circumstances (busy intersection, I entered turn lane too early) and he was simpathetic, dropping the fine to the minumum. Just dress nicely, be courteous, and that's all you can do if you're pleading guilty.

[mt.biker]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX
I've been twice to traffic court (nothing major, just speeding, passing in a no pass). The judge was kind of an ass the first time and didn't reduce my fine much when I pled guilty. The second time, I explained the circumstances (busy intersection, I entered turn lane too early) and he was simpathetic, dropping the fine to the minumum. Just dress nicely, be courteous, and that's all you can do if you're pleading guilty.

how do i know if i'm pleading quilty or not?

[Kyle]

uh...it's your choice...

[mt.biker]

if i plead not guilty of the charge does that make it hard or easier to get the charges reduced.. as thats all i think i'm gonna be able to do

[ebpda9]

Originally posted by mt.biker


how do i know if i'm pleading quilty or not?

basically it's your choice

guilty- you will admit the guilt
no contest- you don't admit the guilt but you let them see if u are guilty or not
not guilty- pretty self explanatory

[ChrisCantSkate]

just be nice to the judge. thats the biggest thing. they have the final say, and they CAN drop your ticket. if your officer dosnt show, then you get the ticket dropped automaticaly

[richmclaren]

Where I live, the cop that gave the ticket also has to show up in court. If he does, then you pretty much have to plead "guilty" because it's your word against his. If he doesn't show up, the judge has to drop all charges and you don't have to pay anything. In the county that my parents live in (Pasco), the cops are notorious for not showing up. However, I've gotten three tickets, all in different counties, none in Pasco. :no:

Do you go to court yourself, or does the person who gave you the ticket have to show up as well? I would plead "no contest," tell a good story, and hope you get a nice judge.

[ChrisCantSkate]

Originally posted by richmclaren

Do you go to court yourself, or does the person who gave you the ticket have to show up as well? I would plead "no contest," tell a good story, and hope you get a nice judge.

yup. make sure you choose your words nicly, and do not argue with the judge in any way, if he has something backwards, correct him in the nicest of manners. you godda kiss his ass

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by mt.biker


how do i know if i'm pleading quilty or not?

You rearended someone, right? If so, you are pretty much guilty no matter what. That's how it is here at least. Anyway, if you plead not guilty and get found guilty, they won't reduce your fines a single bit. I just assumed you would due to the nature of the ticket. If you plead not guilty, they just set a court date and you come back (hopefully with a good lawyer). I think Canada should operate the same way.

[Spazum888]

i have to go to court the 25 for getting two citations on the 4 of july night.... we were comming home from watching fireworks.... and i was speeding... i saw the cop in the center lane.... i tried turning off into another main street... hoping to get away... but he put on his lights and got out into traffic... but he gave me a ticket for speeding... *(witch i was) and another one for not yelding to the right of way witch is bull crap. so ill let you all know how i do :)

[mylittlecivic]

i pleaded guilty i believe cuz i didnt want to go in front of the judge, and tell him why i think i shouldnt have got the ticket, I still got it dropped like 50 dollars

[Violent Apathy]

Have court in the morning for speeding in a school zone....cop clocked me at 26, felt like i was going 15, spedometer was between 15-20, like at the 17 point...either he don't know how to operate a radar gone or my speedometer is messed up...which i wouldn't doubt....

[msvtec14]

I'm confused. Here, when I've gone to court I've first spoken with a prosecutor for the state. Obviously dress nice as everyone has told you but don't over-do and go looking like a tool. Business casual is good. Just be honest. You can sugarcoat a little. Remember, they will have a copy of the police report and that may say something totally different than your depiction of it. Make eye contact and don't show fear. Don't kiss ass too much either. Just keep it real. :)

[Spazum888]

answer Yes sir and no sir !!!

[ebpda9]

when are you going to court ?

[mt.biker]

Originally posted by hondaman-iac
when are you going to court ?

i just signed up for a court date.... so i have to wait 15-30days to find out when it is

[msvtec14]

You have to sign up? That's weird. Usually, I just check off not guilty and then they send me a letter telling me that they received my not guilty reply and that they'll be sending me another letter with my court date. Then I get that and go. Court sucks. :pukey

[Spazum888]

in florida we have to go to the clerk of the court and request a court date... wait about 2 weeks then get something in the mail telling you when your court date is... court does sux :rolleyes:

[ebpda9]

why do tyhey have to make it complicated. in OH when you get the ticket they give you the court date, which is usually in 2 weeks) and during that time you can visit a clerk and either pay the ticket or plead not guilty and get another court date. if your plea is no contest or guilty you gotta go to the origina lcourt date

[msvtec14]

They have to make it complicated because they're the goverment and it's their jobs to piss us off. Taxes. Tickets. Dumb laws...etc. The taxes in this state are ridiculous and yet I find that I blow out at least one Yokohama a year because some of the roads are so damn shitty. Explain that one.