I got a speeding ticket recently for 49 in a 25. He said he was not charging me with reckless, only speeding. My record is clean (tickets before, but went to traffic school). Most recent is about 2-3 years ago. I am going to ask for a continuance due to a family conflict, but I am NOT paying it. What should my defense be? It had just gone from a 35 zone to a 25, not a residential zone though. I was in a rental car (a Kia, which surprisingly, you feel the speed in LESS than my G). I seriously did not feel I was travelling too fast for the conditions, and am sure that 49 (if I was going that fast) was the MAX I was doing. It was probably in the 40's, however. How should I plead my case?

 

Get a lawyer, or pray the cop doesn't show up. Otherwise you're paying the ticket.

 

I really don't think a lawyer will help in this case, but I'm just wondering what a well-worded defense would be. I.E., "I was in a car that I was unfamiliar with, I was unaware that the speed limit had been reduced to 25, has your radar dectector been calibrated recently, I have a clean record and would like it to stay that way, etc." What would you guys say in my shoes?

 

you almost doubled the speed limit, now you have to pay the price...can you take defensive driving instead of payin for the ticket? in tx you're allowed to take it once a yr or defer. usually it's up to the judge

 

how did the cop measure your speed? if by radar/laser, there are usually strict laws that govern when cops can ticket using radar/laser by state. in georgia, the cop cannot give the ticket if his vehicle is not visible from 500 ft, cant give the ticket if 300 ft from a reduction in speed sign, etc...

you should do a search for state radar/laser laws for your state. almost all states have websites where you can veiw all regulations for that state.

 

I don't know how it works in the state your in, but here in FL if you decide to take it to court, you have a pretrial. They give you options such as a reduced fine no points, traffic school, etc. It all depends on your record. You can also choose to take it to trial if you dont like the options. Then just pray the cop doesn't show up and the case is dismissed. Well like I said, I guess it depends what state you're in. Personally, I would take it to court if you have a pretty clean record. If not, get a lawyer. They can get you off pretty much anything. And remember, whether or not you went to traffic school, the judge can still see that.

 

Doesen't sound like you will be able to fight it unless the cop doesen't show. If he got you at nearly double the speed limit, you are screwed. The defense "I didnt know the speed limit dropped from 35 to 25" will never work. Its a common excuse, shows you weren't paying attention, and you still admit to speeding at this point, doing 49 in a 35 which isn't quite as bad, but it still doesen't sound like you will get off from paying the ticket.

Just play on some sympathy if you can, and pay the ticket, and make every effort to prevent your insurance rates from going up. Traffic school as an example.

 

plead not guilty

 

Tell the judge that it's impossible for a Kia to go 49. It tops out at 40.

 

see this thread

https://g35driver.com/forums/showthr...t=61893&page=3

 

yea the cops dont like to show up to court, i would say go to court and let him not show up...

 

it's called accountability. you broke the law and you are accountable for the consequences. the right thing to do would be pay the ticket and drive less recklessly next time.

 

I hope things eventually work themselves out. 49mph in a 25mph zone? . . . Regardless of whatever the outcome may or may not be, remember . . . You are got off extremely CHEAP.

 

um.. Don't speed. That's what I'd do.

 

It varies by state, but there usually is a point (20, 25 or 30 over the limit) when the cop can give you a reckless driving ticket instead of simply a speeding ticket. Maybe you were over that point and he felt he did you a favor. 49 in a 25 is too fast, although I've probably done it too.