I got a speeding ticket at the end of November here in Michigan. I cannot have 2 points on my license at all because of my job as an EMT or I will get fired.
I worte a letter to the court explaing to the judge that I could not have two more points on my license because of my EMT job.
I also expressed my desire to become a better driver and if I could take a drivers improvment class and pay the ticket but not get the points on my license. I got a letter in the mail from the court saying that I have a court date in January and that after the Judge read my letter that she wanted to set up an informal hearing on the matter. My question is what am I going to expect now. Does that mean that I could very well take the driver improvment class? Does she want me to come in and discuss it or what does it mean that she wants a hearing on the mater after she read my letter?
2006-12-10 10:01:20 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
An informal hearing sounds like a closed chambers court session, which means that it's not recorded. In my experience as an officer for 22 years, usually when I was called into an informal hearing the judge worked out something with the defendant. In your case you may have to pay a fine and go to driving school to save your points. Don't really know. We don't have informal hearings anymore because they were/are underhanded and unfair to everyone involved.
Now, with that said, why as an EMT are you speeding all the time and accumulating points on your license? You should know that speed kills more motorists each year than DUI. Think about it for a moment. Are you using your status as an EMT to break the law?
I tried to answer the smart*** email you sent me, but it seems your address has not been verified. So I'll answer it here. I stop professionals like yourself all the time. Cops, paramedics, doctors, nurses, firefighters, lawyers. I don't write any of them, except the lawyers, unless they are such a butt that I have no choice. It's called a professional courtesy. And with the email you sent me, I'll bet you asked for the ticket.
2006-12-10 10:18:18 · answer #1 · answered by gablueliner 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that the judge wants to talk with you about it seems like a positive thing. At least he's not strictly following standard procedure and telling you that you shouldn't have been speeding if you didn't want the points. Don't worry too much about it--it won't solve anything. Go to the hearing and admit you were wrong to speed in the first place. If they feel that you are truly sorry then they will probably go easier on you.
2006-12-10 18:08:33 · answer #2 · answered by younggrandma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know there is no real way to know what to expect. It seems to me that if the judge is setting up an informal hearing...that it might be in your favor. Be very honest with the judge...don't make any excuses for the speeding. She most likely is attempting to work something out for you.
There is no way of knowing what the judge is thinking...just go in there and be ready to face your consequences. Depending on where you live....wouldn't 1 speeding ticket only be 1 point on your record?
If your career is really important to you and your job depends on you driving record....seems like you may want to keep that in the fore front of your mind every time you drive. People in your field are a very important part of our nations emergency services...can your community really do without people like you?
Good Luck!!
2006-12-10 18:10:01 · answer #3 · answered by yidlmama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure once you send a letter you are entitled to an informal hearing but you may not be granted the specifics you asked for. It's more or less a waiting game. The judges decision could go either way.
2006-12-10 18:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by Desiree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means nothing and don't read more into the letter reply then it says. Your court date is set for your to plead your case and in your case, being an EMT means you should know better about traffic issues. Go to your court date and go from there.
2006-12-10 18:07:35 · answer #5 · answered by Allen P 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We don't have informal hearings in my state, so I have no idea. My experience in court hearings has shown honesty is the best policy. Go in there, admit you were wrong, and beg for mercy.
As a police officer and an EMT, I suggest you slow down.
2006-12-10 19:38:08 · answer #6 · answered by dogguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NON OF US KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS UNTIL YOUR COURT DATE. HOPE YOUR ABLE TO WORK EVERYTHING OUT FOR THE BEST AND LEARN FROM THIS.
2006-12-10 18:04:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
to bad your personal car don't have the beeper the training vehical has !
2006-12-10 18:12:54 · answer #8 · answered by martinmm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋