Any Lawyers out here? Help will be appreciated.

[snvplayer]

This is a little embarrassing to post, but I need some help on this.

I received a speeding ticket for driving at 109 on 65 zone (interstate).
This happened in Wisconsin.

It was 4:00 am in the morning, and I had just returned from a long trip (3hr flight and 3hr bus ride, and another 4 hrs of driving).

I had just broken up with my girl-friend over the trip. So I was stressed and a little depressed, and very tired.

When I realized I was only an hour away from my place, I began to overspeed a llittle bit 80mph, 90mph, then I reached 100mph.

At the same time, I was also looking for a rest area b/c I started to fall asleep. And I had just seen a sign for rest area, and I wanted to get there fast.

Then, I got pulled over by the police, and got the ticket.

Now, I have to appear on the court in a week and appeal to the D.A and the Judge.

I have never ever gotten a speeding ticket before and have not had any traffic violations since 2002. I drove from and to Houston to Minneapolis without speeding.

Now I know I was wrong to speed at such an extreme speed, but I want to explain the situation, mention that I have never speed, and will never speed again. I am even willing to take defensive driving course.

Ideally, I want to get this off my record, but I at least want to reduce the points and fines. (I am still in school and the amount of fine was VERY high)..

I have never stood on court, and I am actually very intimidated.

What would be the best way to approach?

I would really appreciate your help.

 

[Photoshop]

can't really help you there but consider yourself lucky b/c you could have done some jail time.

 

[SFrazeur]

109 on 65 zone? You're lucky you only got a ticket. You were going 44 over the limit, idiot twit.

You take that ticket--which you deserve--and you be thankful you didn't kill yourself or someone else being dumb ass reckless.

Unless you have to pay for putting travelers in potential dangers you will do it again. But next time you might kill someone and that might even be you, but either way someone's child and possibly brother, sister, or best friend will die. Get your priorities in line and quit being a selfish *****.

-SF

 

[Deuce]

Everyone who gets caught speeding thinks they have a valid excuse.

Methinks that you need a course in being honest with yourself more than you need a defensive driving course.

Accept your ticket and, as Frazeur said, consider yourself lucky this time.

 

[SFrazeur]

I re-read your post and added translations for what the Judge is going to hear:

This is a little embarrassing to post, but I need some help on this.

I received a speeding ticket for driving at 109 on 65 zone (interstate).
This happened in Wisconsin.

TRANSLATION: I was being reckless and stupid, in Wisconsin no less.

It was 4:00 am in the morning, and I had just returned from a long trip (3hr flight and 3hr bus ride, and another 4 hrs of driving).

TRANSLATION: I was generally irritated needing sleep and had a lot of caffeine.

I had just broken up with my girl-friend over the trip. So I was stressed and a little depressed, and very tired.

TRANSLATION: I was emotionally unstable and crying.

When I realized I was only an hour away from my place, I began to overspeed a llittle bit 80mph, 90mph, then I reached 100mph.

TRANSLATION: I was flooring it as far as I could!

At the same time, I was also looking for a rest area b/c I started to fall asleep. And I had just seen a sign for rest area, and I wanted to get there fast.

TRANSLATION: I was almost asleep so I decided to accelerate to a speed at which I would be unable to control a vehicle--and I really had to pee, bad!!!

Then, I got pulled over by the police, and got the ticket.

TRANSLATION: Got what I deserved.

Now, I have to appear on the court in a week and appeal to the D.A and the Judge.

TRANSLATION: I haven't learned my lesson and do not realize I got off lucky not dying or killing someone.

I have never ever gotten a speeding ticket before and have not had any traffic violations since 2002. I drove from and to Houston to Minneapolis without speeding.

Now I know I was wrong to speed at such an extreme speed, but I want to explain the situation, mention that I have never speed, and will never speed again. I am even willing to take defensive driving course.

Ideally, I want to get this off my record, but I at least want to reduce the points and fines. (I am still in school and the amount of fine was VERY high)..

TRANSLATION: I want a life of no consequences.

I have never stood on court, and I am actually very intimidated.

What would be the best way to approach?

I would really appreciate your help.

-SF

 

[edberg505]

Well my friend you should consider yourself very lucky that you only got a ticket (which has been said several times already). I got pulled over going to Houston when I was a junior in college. I was doing 105 on I-10. That was the first and only time that I have ever been stopped for speeding. The trooper told me he could have taken me straight to jail for doing that speed. Instead he let me go with a warning after he told me he'd like to search my car which of course I had no problem with at all. Bottom line I think you're screwed. There's not much you can do. Take the ticket and be thankful you weren't calling someone to post bail for you that day.

 

[Deuce]

I re-read your post and added translations for what the Judge is going to hear:

-SF

That was pretty good, Frazeur.
I think rather accurate, too.

I had a bit of a different take on one 'translation', though:

At the same time, I was also looking for a rest area b/c I started to fall asleep. And I had just seen a sign for rest area, and I wanted to get there fast.
Translation: I was falling asleep and decided to race as fast as I could to a rest area - but if I didn't quite make it, and wiped out, I wanted to make sure that it would be one hell of a crash - and hopefully make the evening news in my home town for my posthumous 15 minutes of fame...

 

[SFrazeur]

Your translation is more skillfully accurate. My translation is like an AltaVista.com translation, funny-ish and gets the good done.

-SF

 

[JohnnyCracker]

If this is your first speeding ticket, there is a good chance the judge will have mercy and reduce your fine. Two persons I know had their fines reduced by 30% and one had his reduced by 40%. All were going over 100mph and all were first time offenders (1st speeding ticket). Just accept responsibility and apolozize profusely. Don't try to be cute and outsmart the judge. Bad idea. As far as point is concerned, there's nothing you can do about that. If you're really really lucky, the police officer won't show up to court and your case will be dismissed (At least where I live that's how it is. Not sure how it work in Wisconsin though).

 

[ollinger]

Telling a judge that you were upset and in a poor state of mind more often works against you, as it's an admission that you really shouldn't have been driving in the first place. It tells the court your judgement is poor.

 

[CanadianChic]

I am with Ollinger here. Don't walk in there giving a laundry list of personal problems because they don't care. Not to sound harsh, but the judge has heard it all before and unless you're driving a pregnant woman who is in labour (and even then it's a fight) you were in the wrong.

That said, I would go in, tell the judge that you will not waste his time on nonsense, that you are guilty of speeding and HAVE NO REASONABLE EXCUSE. Keep it honest and simple and humbly request (along with a sincere apology) that you be allowed to attend a driving course or do some community service (if your state allows such a provision) as opposed to the demerits on your record.

109 in a 65 zone? Seriously? You should be ashamed for wasting our time here with this issue. This is how innocent people are killed every week on the roads. You hear in the news about some head on collision and assume alcohol is involved until (sometimes) you get an update that the driver fell asleep. Mull on that for a while while you beg off the situation with your flimsy excuses. Breakup? Come on. Drivers like you tick me off because you do not understand the risks you put others in when you act hurriedly and foolishly. I'd be embarassed too. Sheesh!

 

[Fearsome Forehand]

I guess we all know where to come if we wish to be thoroughly scolded for our less than admirable driving antics. ;o)

The scolders above are correct to scold the OP and in their advise. Apologize to the court (attempt to act sincere while doing so), tell the judge you are contrite and that you didn't realize you were driving at such a high rate of speed. Hopefully, the judge will take into consideration that you don't have a lot of other tickets.

109 mph could get you a suspension. I don't believe an attorney is really going to help you much but he/she will be happy to charge you $1500+ to show up and say something on your behalf. Your insurance may be cancelled (or increase so much that you wish they had cancelled it.) Can you say consequences.

You could claim that you were speeding because your friend was threatening suicide and you were rushing to his side. Your friend had always dreamed of becoming a banker and was distraught because he suddenly came to the realization that his dream would never be realized. Hopefully, the judge doesn't watch Seinfeld.;o)

Lately on CL rants there has been an ongoing argument that the left lane is for passing only regardless of speed. The maniacs claim that people have to move over for them even if they are driving the speed limit, or at speeds above it. I guess they think they are driving on the autobahn.

We've all done dumb stuff particularly when we were yutes. Most of us were fortunate enough not to do stupid things right in front of a constable.

At 109, you're screwed, it is just a matter of degree. Sounds like you learned your lesson so that is a start. Many idiot drivers never do.

 

[dcottrill]

...I would go in, tell the judge that you will not waste his time on nonsense, that you are guilty of speeding and HAVE NO REASONABLE EXCUSE. Keep it honest and simple...

Best advice on here, because...

...at 109, you're screwed...

The only question is, will the judge lube you up first or not. :shock:

Seriously, I hope you don't have to do time.

 

[snvplayer]

I guess we all know where to come if we wish to be thoroughly scolded for our less than admirable driving antics. ;o)

The scolders above are correct to scold you and in their advise. Apologize to the court (attempt to act sincere while doing so), tell the judge you are contrite and that you didn't realize you were driving at such a high rate of speed. Hopefully, the judge will take into consideration that you don't have a lot of other tickets.

109 mph could get you a suspension. I don't believe an attorney is really going to help you much but he/she will be happy to charge you $1500+ to show up and say something on your behalf. Your insurance may be cancelled (or increase so much that you wish they had cancelled it.) Can you say consequences.

You could claim that you were speeding because your friend was threatening suicide and you were rushing to his side. Your friend had always dreamed of becoming a banker and was distraught because he suddenly came to the realization that his dream would never be realized. Hopefully, the judge doesn't watch Seinfeld.;o)

Lately on CL rants there has been an ongoing argument that the left lane is for passing only regardless of speed. The maniacs claim that people have to move over for them even if they are driving the speed limit, or at speeds above it. I guess they think they are driving on the autobahn.

We've all done dumb stuff particularly when we were yutes. Most of us were fortunate enough not to do stupid things right in front of a constable.

At 109, you're screwed, it is just a matter of degree. Sounds like you learned your lesson so that is a start. Many idiot drivers never do.

Thanks for the advice.

I know what I did wrong at that night and I am well aware of the the magnitude / recklessness / stupidity of it. I don't really need anyone to reassure that to me b/c I am already know it.

But this doesn't mean I don't want to try to lessen the degree of the punishment. Especially b/c it was one rare moment where the emotion got the better (or worse) of me.

 

[Moz]

It's strange when you see moral outrage in one place where the limit is 65, whereas in another country going 109 is regarded as acceptable. Some things aren't acceptable anywhere whilst others are arbitrary limits imposed by society.

Personally I think a 65 limit on an interstate is ludicrously low. But I guess we are required to live by the laws where we are.

Anyway - best of luck in court. I hope they go easy on you.

 

[rosenstar]

This is a little embarrassing to post, but I need some help on this.

I received a speeding ticket for driving at 109 on 65 zone (interstate).
This happened in Wisconsin.

It was 4:00 am in the morning, and I had just returned from a long trip (3hr flight and 3hr bus ride, and another 4 hrs of driving).

I had just broken up with my girl-friend over the trip. So I was stressed and a little depressed, and very tired.

When I realized I was only an hour away from my place, I began to overspeed a llittle bit 80mph, 90mph, then I reached 100mph.

At the same time, I was also looking for a rest area b/c I started to fall asleep. And I had just seen a sign for rest area, and I wanted to get there fast.

Then, I got pulled over by the police, and got the ticket.

Now, I have to appear on the court in a week and appeal to the D.A and the Judge.

I have never ever gotten a speeding ticket before and have not had any traffic violations since 2002. I drove from and to Houston to Minneapolis without speeding.

Now I know I was wrong to speed at such an extreme speed, but I want to explain the situation, mention that I have never speed, and will never speed again. I am even willing to take defensive driving course.

Ideally, I want to get this off my record, but I at least want to reduce the points and fines. (I am still in school and the amount of fine was VERY high)..

I have never stood on court, and I am actually very intimidated.

What would be the best way to approach?

I would really appreciate your help.

Hire a lawyer. I got pulled over going 60 in a 35 while taking my friend to a hospital in OBX. It turned out he had ecoli. 2 of my other friends got sick a week later. I got a lawyer, it was four or five hundred bucks, but I was ticketed, possiblility of points, and being charged with a mistameaner. I had no prior traffic violations. He got all charges dropped and I did 30 hrs of community service. It was well worth the money.

 

[rosenstar]

109 on 65 zone? You're lucky you only got a ticket. You were going 44 over the limit, idiot twit.

You take that ticket--which you deserve--and you be thankful you didn't kill yourself or someone else being dumb ass reckless.

Unless you have to pay for putting travelers in potential dangers you will do it again. But next time you might kill someone and that might even be you, but either way someone's child and possibly brother, sister, or best friend will die. Get your priorities in line and quit being a selfish *****.

-SF

no need to be a total ****** bag, take it easy. Don't act like you never driven unsafely. Everyone's broken the speed limit and nearly everyone's done something incredibley unsafe at some point in their driving career. I'm saying it's ok, it's definitely not, but it's not as big a deal as your saying.

 

[SFrazeur]

Hire a lawyer. I got pulled over going 60 in a 35 while taking my friend to a hospital in OBX. It turned out he had ecoli. 2 of my other friends got sick a week later. I got a lawyer, it was four or five hundred bucks, but I was ticketed, possiblility of points, and being charged with a mistameaner. I had no prior traffic violations. He got all charges dropped and I did 30 hrs of community service. It was well worth the money.

You got off with community service for having a seemingly good reason for thinking you needed to speed and probably proof of your friend's medical condition. The other guy was speeding for selfish, nonexistent reasons. Different matters entirely; he's screwed and deserves to be screwed and hard.

 

[SFrazeur]

no need to be a total ****** bag, take it easy. Don't act like you never driven unsafely. Everyone's broken the speed limit and nearly everyone's done something incredibley unsafe at some point in their driving career. I'm saying it's ok, it's definitely not, but it's not as big a deal as your saying.

I haven't done it and it is a big deal. Sometimes the truth is a total ****** bag. But death and vehicular manslaughter is an even bigger ****** bag.


-SF

 

[rosenstar]

You got off with community service for having a seemingly good reason for thinking you needed to speed and probably proof of your friend's medical condition. The other guy was speeding for selfish, nonexistent reasons. Different matters entirely; he's screwed and deserves to be screwed and hard.

actually, from what the lawyer told me, he never even mentioned that in court. The hearing was held in NC and I wasn't there. From what the lawyer told me, the judge was presented with my record, which was clean, and said if I did 30 hours of community service he'd consider dropping the charge. I did the 30 hours in two weeks, and the judge dropped everything.

and as far as speeding for selfish reasons, he did something stupid, and he knows it. It wasn't intentially harmful, and he was preoccupied. I'm sure he's never done anything that extreme, and I'm sure he never will again. Of course, when it comes down to it, it's the judge's choice.

 

[rosenstar]

I haven't done it and it is a big deal. Sometimes the truth is a total ****** bag. But death and vehicular manslaughter is an even bigger ****** bag.


-SF

oh, so you've never, ever, ever cut someone off, driven over the speed limit, use your cell phone or play with your ipod while driving. Ever time you get on the road, you always go the speed limit, always keep 10 yards between your car and the car infront of you on the highway, and always flip your turn signal 50ft before you turn?

 

[SFrazeur]

actually, from what the lawyer told me, he never even mentioned that in court. The hearing was held in NC and I wasn't there. From what the lawyer told me, the judge was presented with my record, which was clean, and said if I did 30 hours of community service he'd consider dropping the charge. I did the 30 hours in two weeks, and the judge dropped everything.

and as far as speeding for selfish reasons, he did something stupid, and he knows it. It wasn't intentially harmful, and he was preoccupied. I'm sure he's never done anything that extreme, and I'm sure he never will again. Of course, when it comes down to it, it's the judge's choice.

Unfortunately that happens as well. Depending on how things are in your state Judges like to reduce sentences and fines. The problem in the US isn't lack of laws it is in the enforcement.

The speeding was by the poster's own admission was intentional; if he is intelligent enough to get an ID to drive then he is intelligent enough to understand that said speed is inherently dangerous. Again, going with "preoccupied," and generally not-in-my-right-state-of-mind defenses are not the best to pull.

-SF

 

[ThA_Azn_DeViL]

Unfortunately that happens as well. Depending on how things are in your state Judges like to reduce sentences and fines. The problem in the US isn't lack of laws it is in the enforcement.

The speeding was by the poster's own admission was intentional; if he is intelligent enough to get an ID to drive then he is intelligent enough to understand that said speed is inherently dangerous. Again, going with "preoccupied," and generally not-in-my-right-state-of-mind defenses are not the best to pull.

-SF

then lets say the OP isn't intelligent, maybe he'll get off with a warning.

 

[SFrazeur]

oh, so you've never, ever, ever cut someone off, driven over the speed limit, use your cell phone or play with your ipod while driving. Ever time you get on the road, you always go the speed limit, always keep 10 yards between your car and the car infront of you on the highway, and always flip your turn signal 50ft before you turn?

No. I don't cut people off. I rarely answer my cell while driving, I think I've done it twice while not at a stop light, three times max. But never on the interstate.

if you have ever driven on an interstate then you know following the speed limit is not always do able when a MAC truck is doing 70 in 60. So yes, I have gone over posted limits.

I didn't start driving until I was 19, so I was past so much stupidity by the time I started driving.

-SF

 

[SFrazeur]

then lets say the OP isn't intelligent, maybe he'll get off with a warning.

Then that Judge is a moron.

-SF

 

[rosenstar]

Unfortunately that happens as well. Depending on how things are in your state Judges like to reduce sentences and fines. The problem in the US isn't lack of laws it is in the enforcement.

Our legal system is based on the idea that "It's better that 10 guilty men go free than 1 innocent man going to prison." So if you don't like that, then you can leave our country.

The speeding was by the poster's own admission was intentional;

It was by no means a malicous act.

if he is intelligent enough to get an ID to drive then he is intelligent enough to understand that said speed is inherently dangerous.

maybe your a little too old to know this, but now a days all you need to do to get a drivers license is parrellel park and a three point turn. Do that and pay $50, and you got a license.

Again, going with "preoccupied," and generally not-in-my-right-state-of-mind defenses are not the best to pull.

I'm not suggesting he tries that in front of a judge, I'm just saying that it's a common mistake. Maybe you are Mr. Perfect, and you never disobey the rules of the road, but I guarentee you that 90% of licensed drivers (probably more) have gone significantly over the speed limit at some point in their lives. I'm not condoning it, but you shouldn't be talking down to him just because he severely messed up once. If this was a regular thing, that's understandable, but if he did this once, on an empty interstate at 4 in the morning than I could honestly care less.

 

[SFrazeur]

Our legal system is based on the idea that "It's better that 10 guilty men go free than 1 innocent man going to prison." So if you don't like that, then you can leave our country.

Your misconstruing my point, which was the lack follow through on sentencing the guilty. Not with finding people guilty in general. If you don't like that then you are more than welcome to stay in our country as discerning voices are welcome.

It was by no means a malicous act.

Yes, there is a difference between intentionally doing harm and unintentionally doing harm, but there is harm all the same. I doubt we have a disagreement here, we're just arguing to argue, or I am. Whoever.

maybe your a little too old to know this, but now a days all you need to do to get a drivers license is parrellel park and a three point turn. Do that and pay $50, and you got a license.

I'm 24 and in my state, no, you don't have to parallel park or make a three point turn to get a license . You just have to not crash with the officer in the car.

I'm not suggesting he tries that in front of a judge, I'm just saying that it's a common mistake. Maybe you are Mr. Perfect, and you never disobey the rules of the road, but I guarentee you that 90% of licensed drivers (probably more) have gone significantly over the speed limit at some point in their lives. I'm not condoning it, but you shouldn't be talking down to him just because he severely messed up once. If this was a regular thing, that's understandable, but if he did this once, on an empty interstate at 4 in the morning than I could honestly care less.

No going over the speed limit is not necessarily the end of the world, but it can be the end of a life and people need to learn that there are consequences in life for such dangerous acts.

-SF

 

[rosenstar]

No going over the speed limit is not necessarily the end of the world, but it can be the end of a life and people need to learn that there are consequences in life for such dangerous acts.

-SF

Fair enough, my only point was that he asked for legal advice, not a scolding from some random person. I'm sure he knows now that he did something unsafe, but that it obviously didn't occur to him at the time. He has enough of a problem as it is, he doesn't need another person chewing into his ass

 

[SFrazeur]

Fair enough, my only point was that he asked for legal advice, not a scolding from some random person. I'm sure he knows now that he did something unsafe, but that it obviously didn't occur to him at the time. He has enough of a problem as it is, he doesn't need another person chewing into his ass

But he's looking to get off and doesn't want to deal with the consequences and ramification of his actions. That's not asking to have your ass chewed, but it is needing it though.

-SF

 

[snvplayer]

But he's looking to get off and doesn't want to deal with the consequences and ramification of his actions. That's not asking to have your ass chewed, but it is needing it though.

-SF

I would really appreciate more of your moral inputs..Kudos to you.
And yes, you can chew my *** all you want.

 

[rosenstar]

But he's looking to get off and doesn't want to deal with the consequences and ramification of his actions. That's not asking to have your ass chewed, but it is needing it though.

-SF

haha yeah if I get pulled over, I'm going to try as hard as possible to make sure the police officer gives me a ticket. In fact, I'm going to suggest that he sends me to prison.

Jesus, your making it sound like the man's a complete weasel, and that's not the case. Like I said, he messed up, and he knows it, and he'll probably never drive this aggressively again. A ticket may not be the easiest thing to financially cope with, especially these days. Jail time could loose him his job. There's nothing dishonest or wrong about going to court and defending yourself in hopes of getting an easier punishment, or even trying to avoid punishment all together. Our legal system allows it, so why not take advantage of that. I'm sure nearly everyone who goes to court does.

 

[Phil]

oh, so you've never, ever, ever cut someone off, driven over the speed limit, use your cell phone or play with your ipod while driving. Ever time you get on the road, you always go the speed limit, always keep 10 yards between your car and the car infront of you on the highway, and always flip your turn signal 50ft before you turn?

Are you implying that you cut people off, use your cell phone and play with your ipod while driving? If so, then all those things, added on to the 109 mph speeding ticket you received, make you a danger on the road. And a dou**bag on the road. MOST people have probably exceeded the speed limit to some degree (though maybe not by 44 mph!). But if you're implying that you do all of this, then what you need is not a lawyer but a really good biatch slapping. And suspension of your driver's license.

 

[rosenstar]

Are you implying that you cut people off, use your cell phone and play with your ipod while driving? If so, then all those things, added on to the 109 mph speeding ticket you received, make you a danger on the road. And a dou**bag on the road. MOST people have probably exceeded the speed limit to some degree (though maybe not by 44 mph!). But if you're implying that you do all of this, then what you need is not a lawyer but a really good biatch slapping. And suspension of your driver's license.

I'm not the one that went 109 in the 65, that's the OP. I have cut people off before: I wasn't paying attention to road signs and wanted to make my exit. It rarely happens, but every now and then I make mistakes. I do sometimes use my phone when driving. If my ipods plugged into my car, sometimes I'll look down for a split second and hit the 'next song' botton. And I'd say that I regularly travel about 5mph over the speed limit. I don't think I'm a bad driver at all. I've never caused an accedent.

I'm not saying that I do all of these things, but it sounded to me like one of the previous posters thought that he was the perfect driver and that anyone who breaks any rule of the road should be severely punished. I was simply ask him if he did anyone of these things that every driver does at some point in his/her life.

 

[Phil]

I'm not the one that went 109 in the 65, that's the OP. I have cut people off before: I wasn't paying attention to road signs and wanted to make my exit. It rarely happens, but every now and then I make mistakes. I do sometimes use my phone when driving. If my ipods plugged into my car, sometimes I'll look down for a split second and hit the 'next song' botton. And I'd say that I regularly travel about 5mph over the speed limit. I don't think I'm a bad driver at all. I've never caused an accedent.

I'm not saying that I do all of these things, but it sounded to me like one of the previous posters thought that he was the perfect driver and that anyone who breaks any rule of the road should be severely punished. I was simply ask him if he did anyone of these things that every driver does at some point in his/her life.

Cell phone usage while driving is a major cause of auto accidents. Some D-BAG almost drove into me a couple weeks ago as I was crossing a street (the light was green) because this person was too busy yapping on her cellphone to stop completely at the intersection.

Using your cellphone while driving (or your ipod) does not compare to driving a few miles over the speed limit. Neither does cutting people off because you ignore the signs (or for WHATEVER reason). Absolutely no comparison. I wouldn't want to be on the road with someone who does these things (or rationalizes that it's not such a bad thing).

I have some news for you: Not "every driver" does these things "at some point in his/her life." You, like the OP, are a Dou..bag Driver.

 

[EZV]

first of all be very sincere and apologetic to the judge. tell the judge about your good driving record in the past and promise him/her it will never happen again and how you feel terrible about it

tell the judge you will be willing to do community service or go to driving class or whatever else is neccessary.

make sure to look professional in court and be very humble.

 

[rosenstar]

Cell phone usage while driving is a major cause of auto accidents. Some D-BAG almost drove into me a couple weeks ago as I was crossing a street (the light was green) because this person was too busy yapping on her cellphone to stop completely at the intersection.

Using your cellphone while driving (or your ipod) does not compare to driving a few miles over the speed limit. Neither does cutting people off because you ignore the signs (or for WHATEVER reason). Absolutely no comparison. I wouldn't want to be on the road with someone who does these things (or rationalizes that it's not such a bad thing).

I have some news for you: Not "every driver" does these things "at some point in his/her life." You, like the OP, are a Dou..bag Driver.

so you have NEVER talked on your cell phone while in the car? Not once?

Again, these aren't things that I do often, but a previous poster made it seem like he had never broken a law. I was trying to prove a point by saying that no ones a perfect driver and that he shouldn't be talking down to the OP. You're blowing my exagerated comment completely out of proportion and taking it out of context.

 

[Phil]

so you have NEVER talked on your cell phone while in the car? Not once?

Never.

Again, these aren't things that I do often, but a previous poster made it seem like he had never broken a law. I was trying to prove a point by saying that no ones a perfect driver and that he shouldn't be talking down to the OP. You're blowing my exagerated comment completely out of proportion and taking it out of context.

I think you're just digging your hole deeper. Accept that you are a d-bag driver and just move on...

 

[Deuce]

Fair enough, my only point was that he asked for legal advice, not a scolding from some random person. I'm sure he knows now that he did something unsafe, but that it obviously didn't occur to him at the time. He has enough of a problem as it is, he doesn't need another person chewing into his ass

and as far as speeding for selfish reasons, he did something stupid, and he knows it. It wasn't intentially harmful, and he was preoccupied. I'm sure he's never done anything that extreme, and I'm sure he never will again.

Who are you - the OP's brother?
How can you possibly be "sure" of all these things when the OP is very likely just an anonymous internet poster to you?

Fact is, you're not sure of anything you claim to be sure about. You're simply defending your own selfish idiocy by way of defending the OP's selfish idiocy.

And who's that in your avatar? That Tupac guy?
Yeah - you've surely got wonderful judgment and a great moral compass...

But he's looking to get off and doesn't want to deal with the consequences and ramification of his actions. That's not asking to have your ass chewed, but it is needing it though.

^ Yes.

Especially when the OP is trying to claim he is sorry and that he "learned his lesson" and will never do it again... while at the same time absolutely refusing to accept the consequences - he still is looking for advice on how to weasel his way out of the trouble his actions put him in.
This is proof that he hasn't learned a thing - and is looking only to learn how to get away with unacceptable behaviour. He wants to have his cake and eat it, too.

 

[SFrazeur]

haha yeah if I get pulled over, I'm going to try as hard as possible to make sure the police officer gives me a ticket. In fact, I'm going to suggest that he sends me to prison.

If you have good character and you make a mistake you own up to it and take what comes with dignity.

Jesus, your making it sound like the man's a complete weasel, and that's not the case. Like I said, he messed up, and he knows it, and he'll probably never drive this aggressively again. A ticket may not be the easiest thing to financially cope with, especially these days.

A ticket more major violations are supposed to be a hardship! It is punishment to deter someone from doing whatever got them the ticket again. Unless it is for a minor violation, that ticket revenue is regular income for the police.

Jail time could loose him his job.

Hmm, doubt he would get jail time on this unless he refused to pay or did something else stupid. But I'm no expert on getting jail time.

There's nothing dishonest or wrong about going to court and defending yourself in hopes of getting an easier punishment, or even trying to avoid punishment all together. Our legal system allows it, so why not take advantage of that. I'm sure nearly everyone who goes to court does.

He needs to learn consequences and what the ramifications of his actions are. And yes. There is something very wrong with knowing what you did was wrong and trying to get out of punishment; that's weak character. He needs to cowboy-up and take it like a person with some self respect. Leniency is about the correct measure of punishment, the Judge will decide that. And yeah, Deuce and Phil are right.

-SF

 

[Kobble]

This is a little embarrassing to post, but I need some help on this.

I received a speeding ticket for driving at 109 on 65 zone (interstate).
This happened in Wisconsin.

It was 4:00 am in the morning, and I had just returned from a long trip (3hr flight and 3hr bus ride, and another 4 hrs of driving).

I had just broken up with my girl-friend over the trip. So I was stressed and a little depressed, and very tired.

When I realized I was only an hour away from my place, I began to overspeed a llittle bit 80mph, 90mph, then I reached 100mph.

At the same time, I was also looking for a rest area b/c I started to fall asleep. And I had just seen a sign for rest area, and I wanted to get there fast.

Then, I got pulled over by the police, and got the ticket.

Now, I have to appear on the court in a week and appeal to the D.A and the Judge.

I have never ever gotten a speeding ticket before and have not had any traffic violations since 2002. I drove from and to Houston to Minneapolis without speeding.

Now I know I was wrong to speed at such an extreme speed, but I want to explain the situation, mention that I have never speed, and will never speed again. I am even willing to take defensive driving course.

Ideally, I want to get this off my record, but I at least want to reduce the points and fines. (I am still in school and the amount of fine was VERY high)..

I have never stood on court, and I am actually very intimidated.

What would be the best way to approach?

I would really appreciate your help.

I hear what you're saying. When I was in HS, I recieved a ticket for going like 55 in a 35, but I hadn't crossed the 35 mph sign yet. Limit dropped from 50 mph to 35 mph. My ticket should have been for 5 mph over the limit. I went to court to argue that, but it was my word vs. that lesbian. Record 0-1 vs. lesbian cops. Later on I recieved a rematch with a different one; I won by the equivalent of a knockout. LOL I should be 2-0, but they cheat (low blows).

 

[10s talk]

What should you do ?

use public transportation for two years, you should lose your license


YOU COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE, if you can not control your emotions you should not be driving ! what if someone switched lanes in front of you ?

you and they would be dead



FWIW.... I drove the same way at your age, I needed a speeding ticket too as a wake up call. This is one of the few times I want to see a state trooper.


consider your self lucky all you got was a ticket

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

I received a speeding ticket for driving at 109 on 65 zone.

A "speeding" ticket you say, eh? ...... at "109" MPH? ??? Go figure. :neutral:
---------------------------------------------------

I had just broken up with my girl-friend over the trip. So I was stressed and a little depressed.

Well here's an opportunity to "look for the silver lining." At least you don't have to worry that you left your ex-girlfriend high and dry and having to "walk the floor" worried sick about 'absent' you. Nah, instead be happy to know that right now that she has most likely "moved on" and is now is firmly and safely ensconsed in the powerful arms of her new lover; a lover of uncommon virility who this very evening repeatedly--time after time after time--throughly engaged her, fully, in a manner she never thought existed. Yes, be happy that she is now 'floating-on-a-cloud' in a most delicious afterglow...and quietly enjoying those seemingly endless "residual aftershocks." Also, don't worry about those; they'll gradually lessen in intensity and eventually subside.

Eventually.

And remember: tomorrow's just 'another' (and 'another' and 'another') day.

------------------------------------------------

Ideally, I want to get this off my record

"109" MPH? Yeah, that would be something to shoot for: "Hey Judge, whadda say we just pretend this never happened, ok?"
-------------------------------------------------

I have never stood on court. I am very intimidated.....What would be the best way to approach?

You ever heard of the phrase: "never let 'em see you sweat?" This applies double here. Go into court with your head held high, look the judge straight in the eye and in in a firm, steady voice tell him: "you DON'T intimidate me!" I guarantee you: the judge will admire your moxie. Belive me, I've seen this a hundred times.
---------------------------------------------------

I would really appreciate your help.

Call my office and scheduled an appointment with my secretary: 1-800-GET-OFFF.

I'll tell you what: just because I like you jumbumkin, I make you this offer: if I don't at least get the D.A. to accept a "guilty" plea to aggravated felony D.W.I. in lieu of a trial, I'll waive all legal fees.

 

[rosenstar]

Never.


I think you're just digging your hole deeper. Accept that you are a d-bag driver and just move on...

yeah, that's probably right, but I've never hurt anyone and I don't deserve to go to jail.

Who are you - the OP's brother?
How can you possibly be "sure" of all these things when the OP is very likely just an anonymous internet poster to you?

Fact is, you're not sure of anything you claim to be sure about. You're simply defending your own selfish idiocy by way of defending the OP's selfish idiocy.

I read his post, and I made an assumption. I'm assuming the guys a decent human being.

And who's that in your avatar? That Tupac guy?
Yeah - you've surely got wonderful judgment and a great moral compass...

Yes that's tupac. Maybe he's my avatar because he was an incredibley talented poet and musician. I'm not idolizing him because he was a thug.

Especially when the OP is trying to claim he is sorry and that he "learned his lesson" and will never do it again... while at the same time absolutely refusing to accept the consequences - he still is looking for advice on how to weasel his way out of the trouble his actions put him in.
This is proof that he hasn't learned a thing - and is looking only to learn how to get away with unacceptable behaviour. He wants to have his cake and eat it, too.

He needs to learn consequences and what the ramifications of his actions are. And yes. There is something very wrong with knowing what you did was wrong and trying to get out of punishment; that's weak character. He needs to cowboy-up and take it like a person with some self respect. Leniency is about the correct measure of punishment, the Judge will decide that. And yeah, Deuce and Phil are right.

-SF

It's not our legal system's job to judge character, just to hand out a punishment that a judge sees fit. The legal system gives the accused the oppertunity to get out of punishment. It would be stupid not to take advantage of this.

I'm sure if you ever go to court sometime, your going to walk in, say your guilty, and take the punishment. Not goint to try to settle, bargin, and claim your innocence, just take your punishment. Yeah, that will earn you a lot of respect...

 

[SFrazeur]

It's not our legal system's job to judge character, just to hand out a punishment that a judge sees fit. The legal system gives the accused the oppertunity to get out of punishment. It would be stupid not to take advantage of this.

How do you think a judge decides the correct punishment? What do you think a judge is doing when looking if a person has prior offenses? That is judging character. The more character a person has the less punishment they need.

I'm sure if you ever go to court sometime, your going to walk in, say your guilty, and take the punishment. Not goint to try to settle, bargin, and claim your innocence, just take your punishment. Yeah, that will earn you a lot of respect...

Care to explain why would I need to go into court? I suppose with the types of persons you idolize it is easier to imagine a life where that would occur.

-SF

 

[snvplayer]

How do you think a judge decides the correct punishment? What do you think a judge is doing when looking if a person has prior offenses? That is judging character. The more character a person has the less punishment they need.

Care to explain why would I need to go into court? I suppose with the types of persons you idolize it is easier to imagine a life where that would occur.

-SF

For the record, I don't mind, and I am not afraid of dealing with the consequences. I know I do deserve a punishment. But no one WISHES or DESIRSE to receive a punishment. People with character take the punishment even though they don't want it.

Any individual who admits and takes the deserved the punishment has a lot of character. But if the individual feels that the degree of the punishment is not appropriate for his behaviour (b/c he has never done that before and he has learned his lesson, or whatever), that person should be able to explain his reasons.

I did lose the track of speed b/c I was distracted with my personal problem and fatigue. I did want to come back fast, so I was going at 80mph, then lost the track of speed. Distraction and losing a sense of judgement can happen to anyone - losing a temper, patience, and whatever.

I am not providing a list of excuses, it just is an explanation. By no means, I am saying my overspeeding was justified.

I have never driven recklessly (going over 85mph) before, and I am always a careful driver. It was just one moment when I made a mistake. Frankly, the severity of the punishment is NOT going to change whether I have learned the lesson or not.

Paying a couple of hundred dollar or a few hundred dollar this time will stop be from INTENTIONALLY driving at 100 mph (which I have NEVER done before anyway).

But it's not going to change whether I will ever overspeed to a certain degree (say 10 mph over).

Why do you think people keep getting speeding tickets?

 

[mistapooh]

You're not going to escape it, but at least you weren't racing. Good luck!

 

[rosenstar]

How do you think a judge decides the correct punishment? What do you think a judge is doing when looking if a person has prior offenses? That is judging character. The more character a person has the less punishment they need.

Care to explain why would I need to go into court? I suppose with the types of persons you idolize it is easier to imagine a life where that would occur.

-SF

He judges the correct punishment by analyzing the situation and comparing it to precedents.

Anything can happen to you, someone breaks into your home, and you defend yourself, you could catch your spouse with another man and loose your temper, maybe you pick up a friend and drive him back from a bar and he accedently leaves an open bottle of beer in your car and you get pulled over, maybe you're falsely accused of something, whatever the case, anyone could wind up in court, it's not as unusual as you think, it could happen to anyone. So if you ever wind up in court, which may or may not happen, I guarentee you'll want the easiest punishment you can get. And you will not be disapointed if you get off easy.

I'm not sure what is meant by the comment about the people I idolize... If you're referring to my picture of tupac, and the music I listen to, I don't live a life anything like rap song.

Anyways, to go back to the original intent of my posts, Yes the OP messed up, and Yes he probably deserves a ticket, but he started this post to get legal advice in order to get the least punishment possible. While some may find this unethical, it is not illegal, so he has every right to try to get out of a ticket. My original post on this thread was just to recommend that he hire a lawyer and to tell other posters that the OP knows (at least I thought so) he messed up, and that he doesn't need to be reminded of his mistake everytime he goes on to this board

 

[snvplayer]

He judges the correct punishment by analyzing the situation and comparing it to precedents.

Anything can happen to you, someone breaks into your home, and you defend yourself, you could catch your spouse with another man and loose your temper, maybe you pick up a friend and drive him back from a bar and he accedently leaves an open bottle of beer in your car and you get pulled over, maybe you're falsely accused of something, whatever the case, anyone could wind up in court, it's not as unusual as you think, it could happen to anyone. So if you ever wind up in court, which may or may not happen, I guarentee you'll want the easiest punishment you can get. And you will not be disapointed if you get off easy.

I'm not sure what is meant by the comment about the people I idolize... If you're referring to my picture of tupac, and the music I listen to, I don't live a life anything like rap song.

Anyways, to go back to the original intent of my posts, Yes the OP messed up, and Yes he probably deserves a ticket, but he started this post to get legal advice in order to get the least punishment possible. While some may find this unethical, it is not illegal, so he has every right to try to get out of a ticket. My original post on this thread was just to recommend that he hire a lawyer and to tell other posters that the OP knows (at least I thought so) he messed up, and that he doesn't need to be reminded of his mistake everytime he goes on to this board

Thanks for the tips.

I didn't feel the need to convince other people whether I know I messed up or not. No matter what I say, people are going to think what they want to think.

 

[SFrazeur]

He judges the correct punishment by analyzing the situation and comparing it to precedents.

Not entirely, consider your previous post:

actually, from what the lawyer told me, he never even mentioned that in court. The hearing was held in NC and I wasn't there. From what the lawyer told me, the judge was presented with my record, which was clean, and said if I did 30 hours of community service he'd consider dropping the charge. I did the 30 hours in two weeks, and the judge dropped everything.

What the Judge was doing there was judging your character based on your clean record and how well you fulfilled your community service. We may be saying the same thing but not realizing it. I don't see reason in arguing over semantics.

Anything can happen to you, someone breaks into your home, and you defend yourself, you could catch your spouse with another man and loose your temper, maybe you pick up a friend and drive him back from a bar and he accedently leaves an open bottle of beer in your car and you get pulled over, maybe you're falsely accused of something, whatever the case, anyone could wind up in court, it's not as unusual as you think, it could happen to anyone. So if you ever wind up in court, which may or may not happen, I guarentee you'll want the easiest punishment you can get. And you will not be disapointed if you get off easy.

For most of those things to happen I would have to not be me. And yes it is unusual.

I'm not sure what is meant by the comment about the people I idolize... If you're referring to my picture of tupac, and the music I listen to, I don't live a life anything like rap song.

We are a product of what we surround ourselves with; for you it seems to be a strong possibility of having to go before the judge for assault or the stupidity of the people you associate with. For me there is not a strong possibility of me acting as you mention. I listen to Roy Orbison, Del Shannon, Gene Pitney; if I get cheated on I'm mostly likely to go cry and morn, in all honesty.

Anyways, to go back to the original intent of my posts, Yes the OP messed up, and Yes he probably deserves a ticket, but he started this post to get legal advice in order to get the least punishment possible. While some may find this unethical, it is not illegal, so he has every right to try to get out of a ticket. My original post on this thread was just to recommend that he hire a lawyer and to tell other posters that the OP knows (at least I thought so) he messed up, and that he doesn't need to be reminded of his mistake everytime he goes on to this board

He posted on a publicly open forum stating that he screwed up but wants help on trying to get out of dealing with any consequences whatsoever. No one made him post this thread, no one is making him come back here, he can go anywhere else on thjis forum and not be reminded. He chose to post and needs to deal with the consequences of his actions. If he cannot take what is being thrown at him in here then he really needs a reality check from the judge in the real world.

-SF

 

[Phil]

yeah, that's probably right, but I've never hurt anyone and I don't deserve to go to jail.

I never said you did. But you ARE a loaded canon on the road. You are no different from somone walking around with a loaded gun in their pocket, just waiting to kill someone. The only reason you haven't is pure, dumb luck. People like you and the OP should have their license suspended for a year on the first offense. After that, lifetime suspension and/or jail time.

You need to consider that other people...families, etc., are on the road with you. Behind the wheel of a couple tons of steel, you are a potential killer out there...