Can you go straight to jail for just speeding? If yes do you think the officer was being prejudice?

Question

First off I have never been in trouble or have had a ticket I have a perfect driving record, I live in a small town in Arkansas the officer is a city cop. I was on my way to work i was going 76 in a 45 mph zone he charged me with speeding and wreckless driving. I was late for work i didnt argue with the officer or anything. As soon as he got to the window he told me to get out i was going to jail. I thought he was kidding. I got out and he told me why,rudely may i add, he then put me in cuffs in the back of the car and had my truck towed. They informed me at the station i wasnt arrested but brought in for bail i was 4 hours late for work and was humiliated is there something i can do???

Answer 1

Sure it could be prejudice but then it also could be policy in that department that if you exceed the speed limit by a certain amount, as it is many places, that the officer can take you direct to jail. In many places it could be considered as unsafe as shooting a gun into the air toward people. He could have known someone, in the past, killed by someone speeding and he just made an internal decision that he would never cut anyone any slack. Maybe he had a fight with his wife or girlfriend and was in a pissy mood and you were lucky enough to happen by. What he did might have been right by the law but wrong in common sense. To prove prejudice you would need to prove that people of different color or sex get treated differently than people of like sex and color to the officer and that might be difficult even if you are right. I've been in that situation before as the officer told me given my speed he had the right to take me to jail and tow my car. I (being totally submissive mind you) explained that I knew that and if he had to I would understand. He talked with me a little longer and said he would reduce the speed recorded by 10 miles per hour and that put it in the range where it was just a written citation so I'm sure that there are circumstances where excessive speed gets you a ride to jail. I'm sorry it happened and I know it was embarrassing but if it was discrimination I do hope you find the evidence and history and to do that see if you can find a lawyer that will take it probono or check with the Civil Liberties organizations.

Answer 2

I can't believe that. That is BS.

I would do some research on the laws specific to your area. You may discover that they have no basis for the charges, and if so should do what it takes to resolve the issue. This will not only help you, but also prevent this from happening to others in the future.
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When I hear about cops like that, the only answer I can come up with to explain their behavior is they obviously don't enjoy their job, or are simply not meant to be an officer.

I think it takes a special breed of person to do the job of a police officer. "A calling," if you will.

I have always thought that people who pursue a noble career like police work, do so only because it is a natural and fundamental part of their personality to factor things like morals & ethics into their everyday thinking process. One who desires to be a good person, just because it's the right thing to do.

People like that would not be able to compromise their ideals and still enjoy their work. It would also reflect in their job performance.
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Recently, I have been thinking seriously about becoming a cop, but I am unsure whether or not I have what it takes.

I still need to do more soul-searching before I make a decision as important as this.

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In closing, I just want to say "Thank you" to all the police officers out there that are doing it right. You inspire me to be a better person, and it makes me feel good knowing people like you exist.

Answer 3

Every criminal traffic ticket could be an arrestable offense such as reckless driving. which means that the officer can arrest you on most any traffic stop (except civil violations) but usually will cite you in lieu of arrest. 76 in a 45 is excessive and yes he had the authority to arrest you.

Answer 4

I live in Oklahoma and you can go to jail for going 10 miles over the speed limit. Well that is what I was told by a police officer who pulled me over. He gave me chance, but I had to pay a big fine. Stop speeding! Speed kills.

Answer 5

It is a shame but yes some police officers are prejudiced.If you think the arrest was racially motivated file a complaint with the police chief.They may not do anything this time but it will remain on his record and if he does it again then mmmmmmmmmmm

Answer 6

in my state 30 mph over speed limit is reckless driving. reckless driving can be jail>> the officer makes the call.

you can get a lawyer and fight it. i dont think that you have a case, though. you admit to going that fast. a lawyer will cost you, win or lose.

pay your fine and NEVER exceed speed limit by 30 again.

Answer 7

Anything 20mph over the speedlimit is wreckless driving and yes you CAN go to jail for it. Speed limits are there for a reason.

Answer 8

A ticket is considerd a coutesy. If you pi** them off they can bring you in. Also if they need to verify you identy they may take you in.

Some small towns may make you pay a fine on the spot if they think you will not return.

Answer 9

Get a good attorney. If you feel that it was racially motivated get yourself an attorney who specializes in civil rights, then make that officer/ department pay. Make an example out of them, after all that's what they were trying to do with you, right??

Good Luck

Answer 10

anything over 20 mph over the limit, you can go to jail for.

I have no idea about the prejudice issue.