real quick: I was late for work and I was pushing the car on 66 west coming form DC. Cop pulls me over for 80/55, one ticket. Gives me another for following too closely, another ticket. then another ticket for not using my signals. I got owned by this cop. Any suggestions. I admit to the speeding, but I am not sure about the others. The second and third ticket are pre payabl and this is my first ticket in my Z and I have had my Z since April 2004. Any suggestions guys? I guess i need to drive slower...........


Thanks guys.

 

Do you normally use your signals? Maybe he thinks they're in the red taillights and not down below in the white strip?

Doing 80 and tailing someone too closely seems kinda tough to do in a 55mph zone.

I think he got you on the speeding and then just asked you to bend over because your car looks fast.

 

Here in Fl it is easy to fight tickets so I fight them all specially since all three would be points tickets, so if you can where you are fight them preferably with a traffic lawyer. I got three one time as well (speeding/careless/improper lane change) got a lawyer and the cop didn't show so they dismissed them.

 

Yep, get a lawyer. the fact that you're a) 20+ over the posted limit and b) 80 MPH or over means that it's a reckless charge. I'd get a lawyer to at least try and knock the speeding charge down to something non-reckless. That one would be bad for your insurance rates. Good luck man....and I know how you feel.....Just got a reckless myself.

 

You must get a lawyer, you should beable to reduce them all to one charge speeding (not reckless) or improper driving. I have had plenty of experience with reckless driving tickets and a lawyer is a must. I have had quite a few and I had gotten off or reduce on everyone with my lawyer but the times i decided to get a public defender or no lawyer they stuck it to me.

 

Go see the judge. Most of the times they lower the charges. Might help with a lawyer as well. I think all of your tickets are moving violations. Its best to see the judge.

 

i know in fairfax you wont beable to talk to the judge and its best to get a lawyer well connected with all the judges, I know one but hes pretty damn expensive.

 

The books state any mile over 80 is reckless, thus if you travel exactly 80, it isn't considered reckless. I've gotten a ticket goin 84 and the cop reduced it down to 80; he stated that 80 is just regular speeding which is a heck of a lot better than reckless. You can argue your way out of the "following too close," that's such an easy one and BS to get pulled over for. The turn signel one you can probably deny too, but that's all on the judge's decision. Oh yeah, none of the rules above apply if you get stuck in a Fairfax Court, u're automatically screwed =)

 

The cop was defiantly in a bad mood. Usually one citation suffices as an admonishment. Three citations is overkill. Would I want to face this overzealous guy (girl) in court? Hell no - I’d avoid the cop like a sexually transmitted disease.

 

should i prepay the "following too closely" and the "no signals"?

 

I don't know how the court system is in VA, but in MD if it is your first violation you can plead guilty with an explanation and receive "probation before judgement". You pay court costs and ticket without receiving points. The ticket isn't put on your driving record and if you drive without a speeding ticket for a year you are in the clear.

 

i have a md license but i got pulled over in va. Any benefits?

 

just pay the ticket and get over it. It might cost more to hire a lawyer.