Trying to reduce a (Nevada)traffic fine, I'm pleading "guilty w/ explanation" and scripted this. Will it help?

Question

I was driving down Arrowhead Dr. in Carson City coming to the intersection with 395 anticipating a right hand turn. I had my wallet on lap and as I came to the intersection the light turned red as I came up to it. With my initial braking all the contents of my wallet fell to my feet, and as it did I reacted poorly and let off on the brake before I made the complete stop. At that point I was partially into my turn. Realizing what I did I made another attempt at stopping. However, it was a quick “stop&go” because I was partially into my turn and I was anticipating the northbound traffic would begin forward motion anytime. Luckily, there was NO disruption to the oncoming traffic by my car because I was going northbound before they started up. I apologize for being distracted and will be more diligent now. I teach my students at ***** Middle School an introduction to driver’s safety unit each year and am usually well aware of the dangers of distractions. I’ll have my wallet in my back pocket from now on.

BTW....I already went to traffic school this year to take off 3 of my 4 demerits. This new ticket will be 4 additional demerits and $82 fine.

Answer 1

If the traffic infractiom didn't cause an accident, but was merely a stop and citation from an officer, you have a better chance of being made an offer from the prosecution.
"Guilty with an explanation" is just a way of saying that you admit to the citation's charge, and your explanation is an attempt to help the judge in deciding your sentence.
Speak to the prosecutor to get your scripted story told, then if you don't get an offer to reduce the fine or dismiss, use your chance with the judge to explain reasons why your sentence should be lighter than the maximum for that type of offense.
Most judges won't want to hear about your wallet, etc. That kind of thing is normally in your attempts to negotiate with the prosecutor.

Answer 2

I'm certain that Nevada law is very similar to Calif. law. With this in mind, I will attempt to point out the legalities. Applying the letter of the law, you are guilty as charged. Laws read that when the light turns red you are required to come to a full and complete cessation of motion behind the limit line. If such a line is not painted on the roadway, the limit line becomes the prolongation of the intersecting curb line. A rolling stop or a Calif. stop does not qualify as a full cessation of movement and is the same as a failure to stop. You may plead guilty with an explanation and hope that the judge is in a charitable mood or you can plead not guilty, request a trial and hope that the magistrate fails to show up. The case would be dismissed if this were to happen.

Answer 3

Remember they will most likely know of your prior traffic tickets and may wonder why after the other tickets you were not more careful.

Also they will want you to explain why your wallet was on your lap, and what you were doing with it.

And I would most certainly not say I taught anyone drivers safety, since they would expect you to drive to a high level.

And what you just did was actually confess to the offense with no real good reason why, like why did you not merley get the wallet latter and so on.

From years in traffic court, I would say this story would only make it worst on you. You need somewhere in there that you looked for on comming trafffic before you did anything about your wallet, and so on.

Answer 4

No excuse. Your distraction could have killed somebody, and you want to save a buck???

You deserve to learn your lesson fully.

.

Answer 5

maybe your best bet is to get a lawyer, and maybe you just learn from this and pass the lesson onto your students.

Answer 6

are you sure you should be teaching that class?? sounds like you should be taking it, again!

there is no guilty with an explanation.. youre guilty or not.. from your story YOURE GUILTY!